“We make pop-rock music. This doesn’t mean that we, by any means, confine ourselves to a genre, but most of the stuff we’ve come up with to date fits within that vast pool,” Andrew Carroll said of his band You, Me and Iowa (whose members include Andrew Carroll, Tony Benedetti, Tizoc Estrada, Ryan Julio and Ryan Ross) during an interview with LACityZine before the release of “The Adventure of You, Me and Iowa.”

The truth of that statement rings through every one of the band’s album’s eight tracks. Each song is quite unique and, for the most part, can stand alone as a great addition to your iPod. Because each song is so different, the album as a whole lacks focus but the CD has enough gems to warrant its purchase. It is difficult to judge the album as a whole so here is a track by track critique of the indie-pop odyssey that is “The Adventures of You, Me and Iowa.”

Dress the Stage– As any CD should, the first song catches your attention. There are remnants of an Interpol sound throughout this track but enough unique elements to discourage anyone from thinking that yet another copy-cat band has managed to produce an album. (3/4)

The Song Entire– You, Me and Iowa pick up the pace with this track and prove they can write a song that will stay in your head days after hearing it. The lyrics are simple and repetitive unlike many of the other songs that are, lyrically, quite impressive. (2/4)

Tommy Hall – This is the kind of song one might hear in a 50’s themed lounge. It has a definite retro feel but with just enough punch to keep it modern. (3/4)

Goldfish– Definitely the best track, “Goldfish” has all the elements of a great pop-rock track: catchy, thought-provoking, layered and lyrically ambiguous enough to make you think the song is about something that happened in your life it isn’t. (4/4)

Margaret Mourning – You, Me and Iowa move into yet another decade of sound with this track: an 80’s indie-pop sound. It’s a fun song to listen to once or twice but it doesn’t have that special element of a song you’d want to share with your friends. (2/4)

Valhalla – Initially, this track seems lacking in anything truly great but it quickly grows on you. This song, like “Goldfish,” really showcases You, Me and Iowa’s distinct sound and their ability to create great music. (4/4)

Perpendicularly Speaking – A good song to listen to while driving or drudging through your morning workout. Upbeat, fun and, unlike Margaret Mourning, this track is worth sharing with your friends. (3/4)

Make Your Home (Smell Delicious) – The album ends with a major shift in style with a track that sounds like an experimental band’s tribute to 311. It lacks focus and is, overall, quite spastic. Yet, with all that against it, something indefinable about this track works. (3/4)

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