This the follow-up to 1998's acclaimed Deserter's Songs. Ten tracks produced, performed and arranged by Mercury Rev: founder members Jonathan Donahue, Grasshopper, David Fridmann and Jeff Mercel.

How do you follow-up something like Deserter's Songs? Songs like the classic Goddess On A Hiway? Well, Mercury Rev have proved that it is possible with this, their fifth long-player, All Is Dream.

It opens with the piano-led The Dark Is Rising. Jonathan Donahue sings delicately over Jeff Mercel's soft piano. Also featured are orchestra-like strings and drums. A magnificent production.

All Is Dream was recorded towards the end of 2000 and early 2001 in New York.

There's the fantastic Chains - this isn't just rock, there's a bit in this track that could easily be classed as 'classical'. Not saying that the rock fan won't like this though, it's genius, fantastic. Mercury Rev really know how to use their instruments, especially the piano. This has got to be one of the highlights of this long-player.

Nite And Fog is the first single to be lifted from this collection. This is more radio-friendly than other tracks on All Is Dream.

There's a great atmosphere about this album, as the artwork suggests: you are in a dream for the fifty-minute duration of the long-player. All is a dream.