Call and Response

S.F.'s Call and Response continues the California dreamin' the band started on its self-titled debut -- only this time the dream is more Grace Slick meets Astrud Gilberto than 2001's Karen Carpenter/Petula Clark tag team. Winds Take No Shape doesn't immediately grab you in your giggliest parts the way the bubbles, roller skates, and loopy pop confection of Call and Response did, but fun and kitschy can quickly turn into tired and gimmicky. Windsasks more of its audience (give it at least three listens to fully appreciate the grace of the band's newfound melancholia), but it also allows CAR's adept musicians to explore the breadth of their sound and abilities. It's worth the work. Check out "Silent Chill"'s AM radio tour of Joni Mitchell, with Carrie Clough's translucent vocals lilting in and out of Terri Loewenthal's contemplative, conversational bass. A band that can change its already first-rate sound with this much panache has staying power.