Low Flying Owls
ELIXIR VITAE
(Stinky Records)

 What can I say about the Low Flying Owls other than that they're like the A+ students who never miss a class, and turn in such brilliant work on a regular basis, that it hardly seems worth the effort to sit down and grade it.

Elixir Vitae is their second full-length album, and proof positive that the Owls have forgotten more incredible songs than most artists record in a lifetime. "Swingin' Sam," "Looks of a Killer" and "Georgie Shot Johnnie" are all ready-made hits, the band has received rave reviews from CMJ, and the first track off the album has already been used in at least one car commercial. Beat that!

If this album has one failing, it's that it's a tad over-produced in parts-- diluting more important audio layers with extra keyboards, horn, and guitar riffs that don't need to be there. It's a relatively small quibble though (and one coming from someone who has seen just about every one of their live shows for the past three years), since Elixir Vitae can easily hold it's own against anything released by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, King Black Acid, or The Dandy Warhols.

For goodness sakes, if you don't already have a copy of this album (or last year's equally amazing 3-track EP), rush out and buy one today. The Low Flying Owls are easily the best thing to happen to California rock and roll in years, and once they finally migrate to New York, you may not get another chance.