As one of the final recorded statements from Kitchens of Distinction, Now It's Time to Say Goodbye gives mixed signals. The title song bristles with an energy generally lacking on the album it comes from, Cowboys and Aliens. Patrick Fitzgerald's brittle vocals and touching lyrics nestle kindly against a fine, jangling sonic creation courtesy of guitarist Julian Swales and remixer Pascal Gabriel. Fitzgerald sings, "give me peace, give me hope" and "now it's time to say goodbye," sending off the band in an extremely emotional fashion. "Jesus Nevada" sees the band stripped down to infrequent strummed guitar elements, light percussion, and resigned vocals. The song threatens to rage against ignorance but ultimately maintains its simmering, slow pace. It might not be one of the band's high points, but it's resolutely mature and peaceful. "White Horses" might be the band's happiest moment, as they cover the theme song to the similarly titled French children's television show; the song sees the band take their dream pop ethics to an uncharacteristically twee level. "What We Really Wanted Do" is a ridiculous four minutes of gibberish and reversed vocals. Whether it's meant to be funny or a stab at the major label they know they're about to leave, it's a bit of an insult to their fans. Other than the final song, Now It's Time to Say Goodbye is a beautiful finale from an amazing band that deserved more attention.
© Tim DiGravina /TiVo