“Virginia Creeper” is an about-face from Phillips’ electronically enhanced 2001 solo outing, “Mobilize,” which is another way of saying the disc is reminiscent of the smoky, organic turns of tune his band Grant Lee Buffalo traded in circa 1994’s benchmark “Mighty Joe Moon.” This is a more dainty, silky affair, however, as Phillips softens the edges of his pervading wistfulness with vibes, pedal steel and violin to create a pillow of comfortable melodies. “Calamity Jane” and “Josephine Of The Swamps” are most rewarding, as they evoke the tension and mystery Phillips has built his esteemed reputation upon. The dreamier tracks, such as “Walking Memory” and “Mona Lisa,” however, are slyly mesmerizing and a testament to his maturity as a songwriter. Grant-Lee Phillips is an American treasure not yet fully discovered.
