1995's Oh Brother, Where Art Thou was one of the most refreshing, charming releases of the year -- a sort of Brazilian-pop-slacker-lounge-poolside-bar thing. On Sniff, the band's sound has been refined and beefed up without sacrificing any of the charm. There are new elements -- opener "Last Time" sounds something like a lounged-up Haircut 100, especially during the refrain, while "My Foolish Heart" and "Sound of Music" are a little bit country. Elsewhere, the best aspects of the band's sound are bolstered by more intricate arrangements, as on the delicately melodic "Last Summer". "Bigfoot" is goofily hummable, driven along by a percolating keyboard (I think) line, while "Baby Where Art Thou?" will leave you daydreaming of lounging by the pool with a big tropical drink. The simple-yet-sultry "Katarina" will grab you by the Jobim-glands, and "Without You Girl" will send you to the video store with a jones for lighter-than-air sixties musicals. Pleasingly, though the group's sound has become more sophisticated, Jim's voice is still a little bit flat -- I know that doesn't sound like a compliment, but trust me, it is. Don't let the summer pass without checking out Sniff -- it's one of the year's most unique delights.
The Legendary Jim Ruiz Group Sniff Minty Fresh CD
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