The Go-Betweens: Oceans Apart

THERE'S NOTHING FOOLISH about the Go-Betweens' remarkable consistency, but their arrangements sure could use some hobgoblins. That's the impression I got from listening to their two reunion albums, The Friends of Rachel Worth and Bright Yellow Bright Orange, both of which included songs as good as their 1983-1988 heyday, both of which were marred by DIY production that betrayed their affinity for the grand gesture. But they've snapped out of it. Finally — a Go-Betweens album with the clarinet solos, harmonies, programmed drums, and splendor this band needs. Oceans Apart really sounds bright yellow and bright orange.