While his output hardly suggests that
Bobby Sutliff has fully returned to active duty as a musician, the fact that
On a Ladder is the fourth album of the 21st century from the former
Windbreakers' guitarist at least confirms he's taking his hobby more seriously lately, and while
On a Ladder lacks the bite of the best
Windbreakers records (that side was doubtless Tim Lee's department), he still has a lovely way with a melody, and his guitar work is truly splendid. While the bulk of
On a Ladder was recorded at
Sutliff's home studio,
Chris Stamey did some additional recording and mixing at his Modern Recording studio as well as throwing in a few guitar parts of his own, and
Sutliff responds well to having a like-minded foil to work with. The sound of
On a Ladder is richer and fuller than its immediate predecessor, 2003's Perfect Dream, and the production and arrangements are better detailed than the bulk of
Sutliff's recent solo work. Lyrically,
Sutliff is still spinning tales about unattainable girls and love gone wrong (his favorite themes), but the tunes are timeless jangle pop that show
Sutliff's not lost a bit of his touch, and the guitar workouts are manna from heaven for fans of his work with
the Windbreakers (and "Lonely Beach" from the group's Disciples of Agriculture EP, gets a new recording as the album's finale). These days,
Sutliff seems to be recording what he wants when he feels like it, and
On a Ladder doesn't break much new ground, but it also confirms the man hasn't lost his master's touch for lush, smart pop, and his music remains a true pleasure to hear. ~ Mark Deming