With
3-D Stereo Trouble,
Shallow was well on its way to achieving the type of excellence that characterized 1997's superb High Flyin' Kid Stuff. While the writing isn't quite as strong, this CD does have a lot going for it. Many of the pieces were in place -- dissonant guitars contrasted nicely with Julie Shields' thin, girlish vocals and the alternative rockers' knack for spacy melodies and harmonies -- and appealing selections like "Solar Spoon," "Just Like Me," and "'Til Tomorrow" show that
Shallow had already fashioned a unique and very recognizable sound. What the band needed were songs that were excellent instead of simply good, and with High Flyin' Kid Stuff, the Midwesterners would deliver exactly that. Although that gem should be one's first
Shallow purchase,
3-D Stereo Trouble doesn't deserve to be overlooked. ~ Alex Henderson