Favorite Welch-era record?

[forever]

I listen to Mystery to Me the most these days. I suppose it's the most pop and accessible of that era, although I agree that the production on Heroes is more polished. It's also pretty soulful, overall. I sometimes find Christine's pop songs too formulaic, but on Mystery I feel like they're coming from a real place. Bob's mystical side shines without being overindulged. The band as a whole sounds really tight. There are some of my favorite musical moments from John (Miles Away, Forever) and Mick (Hypnotized). I too love the Welch/Weston guitar blend -- and Weston's intro to Why is a great moment too. Of the Welch-era albums, it feels to me the one where the band is the most *present*.

Future Games and Bare Trees feel more ethereal, Penguin and Heroes more eclectic/scattered. They all have their moments. I'm second-most partial to Heroes, third-most to Bare Trees.