Disaffection

'Disaffection is stinking brilliant, seriously. Max Eider is perhaps best known as the once and (occasionally) present/future guitarist with the Jazz Butcher Conspiracy, but his four solo albums are filled with absolutely spectacular song-craft, anchored around the distinctive sound of his classic Gretsch Double Anniversary guitar, played as well as it can be played here. I've been listening to him for the better part of a quarter-century at this point, and yet whenever his music comes on the stereo, I reach to turn it up. It's timeless, in the good sense of that word. It's virtually a given, too, that if one of Max's songs pops up during a dinner party or other social occasion at our home, first-time listeners will always pause to say quot;Wow, who's this?quot; He's got a fine knack for melodies that will stick in your head for ages, and you just don't hear guitar chops like these very often anymore. 'I remain perpetually befuddled as to why Eider has not become a household name over the years, burning up and melting down charts, given the consistently high-quality and accessible work he offers every time he puts a new record into the public domain. Being a snob, I chalk it up to the fact that I just have better taste than everyone else does. But here's a chance for you to demonstrate admirable style and refinement by sharing in the experience.' Indie Albany, New York, November 3, 2010 'emotionally complex' - Valley Advocate, Massachusetts 'intimately relaxed' - Sunday Times, London 'A melodic, and therapeutic, journey through darkness' - Uncut, London.