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Cincinnati Enquirer
February 2000

by Larry Nager

GOOD DOG BAD DOG (re-release)

Rating: 3.5 stars
"Cincinnati’s Over the Rhine is back in the bigs with the re-release of this set on Virgin Records’ new Back Porch subsidiary. Previously available only at concerts and through the band’s Rhinelander fan club, the CD arrives in stores nationally on Tuesday.

Two of the original 1996 CD's quirkier tracks have been deleted, the concert favorites "A Gospel Number" and Linford Detweiler's Beat manifesto "Jack's Valentine." Fans will miss them (even though they already have the original release, of course) but their absence does make the album more cohesive.

In their place is the somber, fragile "It's Never Quite What It Seems." It's a love-gone-cold lament, framed in Karin Bergquist's delicate melody. "And your face I do know well. Every breath breathes farewell," she sings resignedly, backed by Mr. Detweiler's beefy Hammond organ.

The CD is a fine introduction to one of the best bands to emerge from the local scene. It would be a shame if , in 2000, the group's dreamy folk-pop was mistaken for a copy of Sarah McLachlan instead of the original vision that it is.

The CD features the original OtR quartet--Mr. Detweiler on bass and keyboards, Ms. Bergquist on vocals and guitar, Ric Hordinski on lead guitar and Brian Kelley on drums. It's a more stripped approach than the group's current expanded lineup.

The set opens in low-key fashion with the spare "Latter Days," a gently rocking "All I Need is Everything," the stark "Etcetera Whatever" and Mr. Hordinski's classically tinged E-bow instrumental "I Will Not Eat the Darkness."

If new listeners continue to the next song, "Faithfully Dangerous," they'll be hooked. If you ever wonder what Billie Holiday would sound like as a rock singer, listen to this track. Ms. Bergquist's lazy phrasing and dry vocal tone effortlessly summon the playful, sensual spirit of Lady Day. In a better world , this would be a massive radio hit.

"Poughkeepsie" stands out with its traditional country structure, while Mr. Hordinski's acoustic guitar showcase, "Willoughby," remains a homespun delight.

"Happy to Be So" is another gorgeous Bergquist set piece, featuring her sinuous voice and elastic phrases. "Go Down Easy" closes the 12-song set in easy-rocking folksy style, with OtR sounding a bit like an American Fairport Convention in its days with lead singer Sandy Denny.

Good Dog Bad Dog has been a private pleasure for hard-core OtR fans for too long. It's time the mainstream national audience sat up and took notice.