Chicago multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett has accomplished enough in
his solo career to rid himself of the "ex-Wilco" moniker. The fourth such
record since Bennett left the group, The Magnficent Defeat continues similar
riff-heavy, rhythm-drenched pattern that began with 2002s superb The Palace
at 4 AM. This time Bennett whittled down a prospective list of six dozen
songs into 13 and whipped out an ensemble of probable players (such as
Palace cohort Edward Burch) and improbable instruments, including a horde of
Hammond organs and a childs tambourine. Bennett has a uniquely nasal vocal
delivery which can too often evoke Elvis Costello, but his ear for pure pop
grandeur is palpable on "Wide Open," which could be an outtake from
Fleetwood Macs Rumors, and the guitar-driven "Replace You," complete with
its meaty Hammond accompaniment. Leaving more than 50 songs left on the
chopping block and his creative psyche ever agitating, its obvious that Jay
Bennett has put that former band outtasite in the rearview. "4 stars..
Jay Bennett`s fourth solo effort, The Magnificent Defeat, is as dizzying and
dazzling as anything he and his former bandmates put together, and it`s
nowhere near as mopey. For one thing, Bennett`s records in general -- and
this one in particular -- don`t sound like his record collection. They sound
like he wrote songs, made noise -- and music -- and had a blast doing it..
This latter track has an obvious inspiration: the Elvis Costello of King of
America. It`s not just the tune or its arrangements, but Bennett even
reaches for those same notes with his own little voice. It`s a tribute paid
blatantly. It adds immeasurably to the drama, warmth, and humor in this
set.. he Magnificent Defeat (one wonders if the title comes from a
collection of essays by the provocative writer Frederick Beuchner), is a bit
of a wonder, really. It`s an album you`ll be able to play in five or ten
years simply because there is so much in it. It`s rowdy, sometimes raucous,
tender, good-spirited and full of surprises. It`s a rootsy yet manic pop
thrill."-AMG.
 The Palace At 4 a.m. - mp3
Wide Open. - mp3
5th Grade. - mp3
Overexcusers. - mp3 | 
