The Cynics - Sixteen Flights Up (1994)

The Cynics shifted their direction slightly for the second LP, Twelve Flights Up, from R&B homage to a more poppy, psychedelic folk-rock sound. The results are often excellent, as on the ballad "Took Her Hand," which oozes with sentimentality and overpowering melody. But the psychedelic murkiness on tracks like "Creepin'" and "Erica" break away too far from the excellent pop abilities of the band, and don't really fit into the album's overall perspective. The band proves, however, that their best work comes when they let loose and deliver snotty blues rockers. This record was also later remixed and re-released as Sixteen Flights Up with four bonus tracks.