When I Pretend To Fall

Building upon the Long Winters' first album, The Worst You Can Do Is Harm, frontman John Roderick compiled enough hooks to create the solid, delectably pop sophomore effort When I Pretend to Fall. The Long Winters get happy on this one, and Roderick's vibrant, newfound confidence as a showman and songwriter allows the Long Winters' sound to finally gel. Chris Walla, Sean Nelson, Eric Corson, and Michael Schilling return for some sonic goodness, while ex-Posies guitarist/vocalist Ken Stringfellow joins the Long Winters to polish things up a bit. Extra help from R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and Pedro the Lion's Blake Wescott is a bonus in adding to Roderick's nearly accessible candied rock sound.