Cold and Bouncy (1998)

Cold and Bouncy, the fourth album from crafty British-pop classicists the High Llamas boasts the usual complement of fetching melodies, gorgeous arrangements, and witty lyrics. But mastermind Sean O'Hagan's frequent reluctance to flesh out his lush, leisurely grooves into full-blown songs, combined with some awkward attempts to integrate burbling electronics into the band's organic soundscapes, makes this a vaguely unsatisfying — if sonically impressive — listen. B-