This came out in 1999 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Erstwhile Winnipeg guitar slinger and Sarah McLachlan sideman Luke Doucet is one of the most talented six-stringers to emerge from the local scene — his stylish fretwork is subtle, textured and unique.
Which is the best and worst thing about Tilt O’Whirl, the second helping from Veal, the offbeat alt-pop trio he shares with drummer and fellow ex-Pegger Brad (Chang) Meadmore. As ambitious as Doucet’s songwriting is, his spry, smart-aleck pop and nerdy voice — vaguely reminiscent of a cross between Flaming Lips and Ben Folds — are no match for his nimble fingers. Case in point: Po Black Child ruins compellingly swampy, noirish blues licks by setting them against a lame gag from Steve Martin’s The Jerk. Doucet needs to beef up his songwriting if he wants Veal to cook.
