54-40

Vancouver's answer to R.E.M.'s thoughtful, hook-filled pop has consolidated all of its strongest elements for this, its fifth disc. As befits a Canadian perspective, Neil Osborne's lyrics are more rooted to earth than Michael Stipe's fanciful flights, but the songs have the same quality of stimulating both intellect and hips. Osborne makes the best of a limited vocal range by weaving a groove with his fellow musicians as if his voice was just another instrument. There's a lean, sinewy quality to the playing: focused energy with no excess fat. "Lovers and Losers," begins with Petty-like sing-speak and smooth Southern shuffle before erupting to a ferocious conclusion. The most notable of several highpoints on Dear Dear are "You Don't Get Away (That Easy)," with its unsettling, echoed chorus, and the mystical, latin-tinged pop of "Book." ~ Roch Parisien, All Music Guide