Like Swimming

After three highly acclaimed releases on Rykodisc, 1997's Like Swimming was Morphine's first recording for Dreamworks, which put the trio on the verge of a major commercial breakthrough (their last album, Yes, reached the middle of Billboard's Hot 100 album chart). And although the album contains its share of highlights, it turned out to not be as strong as its predecessors were and failed to break the band through to the big time. Some of the material doesn't sound fully developed, almost as if the Boston trio was rushed to complete the album. Still, the trio nails down the unmistakable Morphine sound on such great tracks as "Early to Bed," "Eleven O'Clock," "Swing It Low," and the title track. Other selections, such as "Potion," "I Know You, Pt. III," "Wishing Well," "French Fries w/ Pepper," and "Hanging on a Curtain," are all notable, but not as gripping or memorable as the material that made Cure for Pain and Yes such exceptional releases. Again, Like Swimming is not a total washout, but it is a disappointment when compared to the above-mentioned classic albums.