[4/5] Page France's Michael Nau is a rare indie-pop artist for a lot of reasons, not the least of which being that he regularly sounds happy. Not overwrought. Or helpless. Just content. Nau's reedy voice and acute storytelling instincts lend themselves favorably to mentions of Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel) and John K. Samson (the Weakerthans) and, though lofty, the comparisons aren't overblown. The effortless optimism of "A Belly To The Sea" and "Rooster And Its Crow" is what buoys both from brilliantly simple to downright transcendent. And Whitney McGraw's child-like backing vocals are the perfect partner to Nau's hopeful calls throughout, further cementing ...And The Family Telephone as one of spring's most inspiring creations. "Thank you all for taking me so seriously," Nau blushes on "Casting Day." Michael, keep making records this blissful and, we assure you, the pleasure's all ours. (SUICIDE SQUEEZE) Tristan Staddon
 Official Website: http://www.suicidesqueeze.net
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