2006, Self-released
The Artichoke's first studio album, The Streets Were Finally Bright, is loose and relaxed -- a sort of feeling many artists (even some very popular, well-paid groups) struggle to obtain. The Artichokes have a go at it with a moderate amount of success; it's not bad for a group with less than two years of real experience under their belts.
With only six tracks, The Streets Were Finally Bright, feels woefully short. What is arguably the apex of the album, "The Good Ship Pioneer," is the fifth track, and the finale seems to be an experimental, slowed-down rendition of some other song -- though, it's likely a good thing that "The Manatee Song" closes the album, rather than opening it; it seems doubtful that even the most intent of listeners could get past the track's droning quality.
The Streets Were Finally Bright shows a lot of promise for this pop project; clearly The Artichokes have songwriting talent -- but so have numerous other groups who, sadly, have split after less time than The Artichokes have spent as a band. This album is not without its flaws -- the foremost being its short time stamp -- but is certainly worthy of more than a single rote listening session.