| The Texas-Jerusalem Crossroads | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Studio album by | |
| Released | June 26, 2001 |
| Recorded | 1999 |
| Studio | 70hrtz Studio, Argyle, Texas |
| Genre | Indie rock, shoegaze, post-rock[1] |
| Length | 93:22 |
| Label | Bella Union |
| Producer | Josh T. Pearson |
| Singles from The Texas-Jerusalem Crossroads | |
| |
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| Almost Cool | (8/10)[2] |
| The Austin Chronicle |  [3] |
| The Guardian Unlimited | [4] |
| Pitchfork | (7.8/10)[5] |
The Texas-Jerusalem Crossroads is the debut studio album from Denton, Texas-based indie rock trio Lift to Experience. The double album was released on June 26, 2001, and is thus far the only full-length recording from the band. A concept album about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ[6] that "casts Texas as the Promised Land,"[4] it was produced by guitarist/vocalist Josh T. Pearson, and mixing was handled by Simon Raymonde and Robin Guthrie, both of Cocteau Twins fame.[5][7] The album was released on Guthrie and Raymonde's record label Bella Union. Receiving very little attention upon release, the album gradually found an audience via the internet and has developed a minor cult following.
The Texas-Jerusalem Crossroads was described by AllMusic reviewer Tim DiGravina as "blend[ing] My Bloody Valentine's sonic feedback with Kitchens of Distinction's swirling atmosphere and the grace of Jeff Buckley", with DiGravina adding, "What could have been a tiresome exploration of awkward religious theories is instead a spellbinding journey into the heart of human emotion and guitar dynamics."[1] Although Lift to Experience never officially announced a disbandment, the band splintered shortly after the album's release, with Pearson re-emerging as a solo artist in the 2010s.
The album was remastered and reissued for its 15-year anniversary by Mute Records on February 3, 2017.[6] The album was reissued across three separate formats, all featuring revised artwork: a 2-CD set; a double vinyl LP set pressed on blue and red colored vinyl; and a deluxe 4-LP box set including the band's first demo EP and live recordings. The reissue coincides with the band's reunion and performance at Meltdown Festival 2016 curated by Elbow frontman Guy Garvey.[6]
- ^ a b c DiGravina, Tim. "The Texas-Jerusalem Crossroads - Lift to Experience". AllMusic. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
- ^ "Lift to Experience - The Texas-Jerusalem Crossroads". Retrieved 20 February 2017.
- ^ Chamy, Michael (15 March 2002). "Review: Lift to Experience - Music - The Austin Chronicle". Retrieved 20 February 2017.
- ^ a b Clarke, Betty (11 May 2001). "Pop CD Releases - Culture". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
- ^ a b Sirota, Brent S. (21 June 2001). "Lift to Experience: The Texas-Jerusalem Crossroads: Album Reviews". Pitchfork. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
- ^ a b c Lindsay, Cam (11 November 2016). "The second (or first) coming of Lift to Experience". Retrieved 13 February 2017.
- ^ Chamy, Michael (31 May 2001). "Cloud 9 and Rising: Denton's Lift to Experience head for the promised land, with gun in hand". Retrieved 20 February 2017.