'Winning Days:' Australian for disappointment

While recording their second record, Vines bassist Patrick Matthews said, "Not to compare us to the Beatles, but you know how Rubber Soul and Revolver would almost work as a double album? These two are turning out pretty similar, just different songs."\nBy "different," I think Matthews actually meant to say "less creative." Not to argue semantics with him, but Revolver perfected Rubber Soul's revolutionary sound, while the Vines' Winning Days is just a bastardized version of their debut masterpiece Highly Evolved. The Aussie band's trademark grunge/'60s pop fusion which once produced hook-rich jams and delicate, charming ballads has now been watered-down and adulterated.\nA song which manages to shine through the wreckage is "She's Got Something to Say to Me," which clearly displays the band's unique contribution to '60s pop imitation in garage rock. The title track, "Winning Days," is one of the best ballads which front man Craig Nicholls has ever written. It brings together nimble, carefree acoustic guitar rhythms and heart-wrenching lyrics.\nIt's obvious from Highly Evolved that the Vines have amazing potential as artists, but Winning Days is the sophomore slump which their garage rock counterparts have managed to avoid. I suppose the Vines' records thus far could work as a double album, but I'd probably only listen to disc one.