There's a Star Above the Manger Tonight
is a surprising turnaround for
Red Red Meat
, one that most of their fervent supporters wouldn't have expected. Over the coruse of their first two LPs, the group reworked classic rock and folk-rock, creating a shambling, charming indie variation of roots-rock. Though that remains the foundation of their sound, the group opens their music up by incorporating samplers, synthesizers and sequencers, bringing their country-rock into dub and trip-hop territory. For some old fans, the change might be a little off-putting, and some of the experimentations do fall flat, but
remains a brave record, and one that moves the band toward new, often uncharted territory. They might not always be successful, or know where they're going, but it's usually interesting. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine