Michael Beach – “A Horse” b/w “The Exhilarating Rise” 7” (Spectacular Commodity/Twin Lakes)

Singery/songwritery dude backed only by guitar and drums. Laidback A-side “A Horse” reminds me a little of the Lapse, a band I wished was better than they really were. “The Exhilarating Rise” is better, building and tightening up to no release ala Bedhead, complete with a catchy melody. Something Richard Thompson might leave on the cutting room floor, but a curio nonetheless, and a song that actually lives up to its title. Not bad. Limited to 200 copies. (http://www.twinlakesrecords.com)
(Mike Pace)