Highly underrated album by one of California's Finest
by California_Soul
Paint By Numbers, the follow-up album to Buffalo Creek's full length "Signal To Noise" embodies a collection of matured songs. Less hammond organ and more rock and roll, in addition to more songwriting by side man Marc Stafford. Bryn Loosley brings highly refined lyrical content with such tunes as "Northern California", and the timeless "Maybe", which many hard core Buffalo Creek fans consider among one of their favorite tunes. "Paint By Numbers" kicks the album off strong with a rolling force or rock. "Barroom Queens" brings Marc Stafford to the lead vocals earlier than found on previous albums. "Northern California" illustrates the lyrical magic of primary songwriter Bryn Loosley, as he depicts vivid images of the Northern California mentality and lifestyle. "Maybe", perhaps one of Buffalo Creek's finest tunes, has an undisputed amount of emotion behind every word... a tale of a hopeless romantic yearning for understanding behind the cold ways of a lover. "It's Me" reintroduces the deep pocket groove that only a band as competent as these guys can pull off with such ease. Sick texas-tone guitar licks, impeccable rhythm section, doubled vocals (again by sideman Marc Stafford), dueling guitar solos, and head bobbing groove. "Indecision", a tune that undoubtedly always has the live crowd jumping in unison to for a full 3:30 minutes hints on a fringe of punk-alt-rock, and shows that these boys are no softies. "Happy to Be Here" however does show that these boys CAN be softies, with a heartfelt appreciation of recognizing good company and a good time when they see it. The 8th "hidden" track, is a mystery you will have to figure out on your own.
