by Jack Rabid, The Big TakeoverLow fans take note: not only does Alan Sparhawk produce this LP in his Duluth, MN, studio and play a bit on it, but so does Mimi Parker. Now that I have your attention, the Winter Blanket doesn't actually sound much like that group, but they share a central aesthetic/motivation. If Kristin Hersh is right, and the most punk thing to do in the age of terrible in-your-face music is to play delicate music, this outfit (centered around two members of Midwest slowcore band Darling) is the new Clash. I second those who compare them to Nick Drake, as Doug Miller's whispy but full voice is reminiscent, as is the way the piano sometimes seems as supernatural as the sonic decor; it's all in the little background touches that one has to strain to hear (simple organ, the long-ring of a solitary cymbal crash, etc.), which create a barren but somehow elegant feel. The female harmonies are a nice touch, too. Very good! (P.O. Box 1604, Moline, IL 61266-1604; plowcity@yahoo.com)