Shelley is a great drummer who adds energy to Foljahn's songs in just the right places. He also releases the band's albums on his own label, and in general supports the band and the Hoboken music scene in any way he can. If there's any justice, Weak Beats and Lame Ass Rhymes will make a name for That Other Guy. Two Dollar Guitar backed up Townes Van Zandt on the last tour before his death in 1997, and Foljahn seems like a good choice to carry on Van Zandt's legacy. As in the band's earlier work, the songs are essentially ballads and Foljahn's lyrics are the focus, but in expanding beyond the band's typically sparse three-piece arrangements, the music behind them has far more depth.
Songs start off quiet and slow, but intensify as more instruments add to the momentum of the song.
Dirges wind up really moving along, and just that simple change in pace makes Weak Beats far more listenable than the band's first two albums, which tended to start slow and stay that way. Pop groups have had a hard time of it in Seattle. Despite constant touring and a clutch of good albums, the Posies never really broke out either. As a bonus, a few rarities and outtakes have been tossed in to keep you collectors happy. Woodbine makes for a great companion piece to Mogwai's soulful noise terrorism.