Hayden — In Field & Town

Since his 1995 debut, Hayden has drifted in and out of the public consciousness. When he puts out a record, it seems like he's everywhere. Then, for two or three years it seems like he's nowhere. After every absence, a new Hayden returns. Following the meandering pop of 2004's Elk Lake Serenade, In Field & Town is a more crisp and catchy effort. As usual, the lyrics range from poignant ("You've had it up to here with both hemispheres/With no one left to revere" on "Worthy Of Your Esteem") to goofy ("Could make a cricket from a parking ticket/Can make a bird from some thrown out words" on "Lonely Security Guard"), but credit to Hayden for sticking to mixing the two seamlessly. Look, it's not as good as Skyscraper or The Closer I Get and it's not as bad as Elk Lake. It's a pretty good Hayden record, and fans better enjoy it because it'll probably be another four years before he shows his face again (although, I've heard rumours to the contrary).

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