There's huge lots mucho good to say about "Bitches and Machines," the dynamite sophomore effort from Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter Pablo. Pegged by some as a "Folk artist with a post-punk sensibility," I prefer to describe Pablo as "Some guy with a guitar who, lyrically and experimentally, makes the rest of the CD's currently in my CD player sound like shit. And I don't listen to shit." This CD grabbed my attention right from the start, when the ending to the initial track, "Rebecca," made me laugh out loud with surprise at Pablo's slyness. Track 9, "Seed Dude," is hilarious filler. Other tracks such as the title track and "Firecracker" show his ability to craft a memorable tune or two. Also noteworthy here is the strong production, which highlights a creatively tracked and paced CD. But what impressed me the most about Pablo is his interesting lyrical work: "Rebecca/I never liked your name/That's why I changed it for this song," or "My father is a giant/I can provoke him - I know how to hurt him/But what profit is there in conquering the dead and dying." Creative, unusual and eclectic, "Bitches and Machines" is a treat for sore ears. - Deneen Gannon
