Many people think Slow Buildings isn't as great as their earlier works like In Ribbons and that's fine with me (more on this later). I think SB is Pale Saints best work hands down. Not only does it hang with shoegazer masterpieces like Loveless, Souvlaki, and Nowhere, it surpasses those albums in some aspects because of the fine songwriting, playing, and overall oneness (cohesion) of the whole thing. Yet, the songs vary and each one stands out on it's own. From the dirge-like Song of Solomon to the lazy, hazy, and stoned Fine Friend, it takes me on a ride that I don't want to exit at any point or to ever end. Each song seems to be a fully realized creation leaving nothing to be added or taken away. And there's eleven of them. Well, ten because King Fade is an instrumental intro.Take, for example, Gesture of a Fear. What a great title! After the intro, just acoustic guitar and voice. More is added like cello and it builds to the point where you think it could end, but doesn't. Just then, in comes this absolutely slow and ripping slide guitar solo by Graeme Naysmith that is layer upon layer of ecstatic bliss (redundant, I know but hey, it's really good). One phrase leads magically to the next. Slow buildings. Hitting all the notes one could ask for if you're looking for the mainline to heaven, he slip-slides around into valleys and rivers, and finally hits the top of the mountain where he finds George Harrison himself sitting and smiling with approval. In fact, the song ends with a backwards tape reprise that is reminiscent of The Beatles at their psychedelic best.And all the songs are like this. Whether it's the beautiful voice and words of Meriel Barham, the guitar playing of Graeme and Meriel, the snake-like sinuousness of Colleen Browne's bass, the syncopated preciseness of Chris Cooper's drumming, or the studio production nuances, there is always something "interesting" to listen to. The bare naked songs themselves would be great if played on a banjo and tambourine.Now about those people who prefer the earlier stuff with Ian Masters. I don't blame you. That stuff is great and different strokes and all. But what I do take exception to are those who slag off SB, saying everything from "disappointing" to "just filler" to even "lifeless songs." Really? I would posit that they aren't even HEARING it. Probably parrots. It's over the top of their heads and way over at that. They should try back in a decade after they've acquired some ears. They're talking out of the sides of their mouths and nothing could be farther from the truth.