| 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] |
| NME | [6] |
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 [7] 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] [8] 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.
Contents
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] Kitty Empire described the debut as extraordinary, noted that it follows a narrative centered on spiritual searching and redemption, and praised its emotional intensity. She also pointed out the album's occasional use of humor and self-awareness. Overall, she characterized it as a challenging yet compelling work. [9] 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. [7] 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. [7]
