In Dreams I Live

Having performed with the Dearhunters for some time, singer Jodi Phillis' second album starts off with the happy-go-lucky pop of "For the First Time" and "Pay," which evoke equivalent images of Badly Drawn Boy. The title track also has a summery feeling despite the brief and surprising hard rock hue in the song's middle. The harmonies are very pretty throughout the album, whether it's the singer doing her own or getting help from Robyne Dunn and Tegan Northwood. Lyrically, the songs are generally good; the narrative in "The Ballad of Frances Piper" is excellent in spite of the story being told. The use of harmonica during the bridge is also quite beautiful. A few songs just miss the mark in their choice of arrangements and instruments, especially the tranquil world music feel of "Come on Over." Slower-tempo tracks dominated by her voice and acoustic guitar result in a superior effort along the lines of Aimee Mann and other contemplative female singers. The cover has a photo of a beach, and it's appropriate for a relatively summery feeling album.