Review of A Very Fine Adventure from LMNOP

Who would've thought that when the strange sounds of Pianosaurus trickled into people's consciousness in the 1980s...that the toy instrument genre would not only survive, but thrive...? Strange but true. And now here in the twenty-first century, Mike Langlie's Twink seems to be leading the pack.

Langlie has made a career out of tinkering with toys. His albums are always fanciful and humorous yet they are so focused and precise that they are not merely a joke...but rather a way of taking "toy music" seriously to a higher plane of existence. A Very Fine Adventure is quite possibly the most accessible Twink album yet...but most folks probably won't think so. This time around Mike creates music that sounds something like the soundtrack to a film...which might almost sound normal if it weren't for those ever-so-slightly off key toy instruments clattering and tinkling around in the foreground. This release features absolutely fantastic graphics on a foldout cardboard sleeve...three cuddly little bunnies taking off into the sky in a hot air balloon.

Langlie has an extremely loyal and devoted underground following and yet he remains a curious oddity in the world that most folks are completely unfamiliar with. Such a shame...why is it that the most creative people always seem to exist on the fringes? Never mind and no matter...because those who experience the eloquence of A Very Fine Adventure will reap plenty of truly fine rewards. Simultaneously smart and silly mind altering tracks include "3 Bunnies in a Balloon," "Blindfolded Bird Race," "Toadstool Tea," and "The Voyage Home." Intelligent music for the thinking adult who hasn't yet lost his/her ability to "just be a kid."

Highly recommended. Rating: 5+++