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In August 2000, Be released their alternative guitar rock debut, Avalanche, and the recording barely made the radar screen. So, these Arkansas rockers moved to Dallas, Texas to complete work on Thisstupidream, and self-produced a moody and hazy Brit-Pop inflected collection of lushly plied rhythms and dreamy sonicscapes, similar to the best of Radiohead and R.E.M.

If I had to choose one word to describe this homegrown release, it would be 'atmospheric'. In fact, I could almost swear I hear the wind sweeping across the ocean on some of these acoustically rendered tracks. It's an interesting touch and casts a very reflective, almost Zen-like coating over the entire disc.

Which, in fact, doesn't seem to be all that off the mark. The band IS called, 'BE', afterall. And one of the most memorable songs on this release is the title track which doesn't appear until the disc is nearly through. It's a sweet, sentimental song whose intent is conveyed perfectly by the poetic grace of Talley Summerlin's singing, the steady drumming of Duke Boyne and a gradual swell in tempo supplied by Talley's brothers, Mark Summerlin on guitar and Paul Summerlin on bass.

The lyrics in "Thistupidream" embrace an insightful hopefulness, yet, at the same time, present a well-grounded sense of life's limitations. Listening to this thriving melody, over and over again, the simple idea expressed in the lyrics ("all we do it seems, is love the stupid dreams, we have/we have") leaves one feeling humbled and filled with possibility all at once.

It's a remarkable feat to accomplish this in a song, I must tell you. On other tracks, where textured layers manifest the dream, mood enhancing navel gazing is without question. "Space Rat" is plaintive and emotional. "The Last Day I Was Happy" manages to create its impact acoustically with remarkable power, and "The Corporal's Daughter" is both melodic and harmonious, balanced and punctuated by driving yet understated rhythms.

An appreciation for the band Oasis is all over "The Corporal's Daughter" with surrealistic guitar tones and dreamy lines. "Driving to the Beach," additionally, is clear and straight forward with easy guitar and coasting grooves. Modern rock like this is simply beautiful in its complicated simplicity, and the ability to weave such music is a skill that Be masters expertly.

Thistupidream is introspective, worldly, modest and bold and fittingly deserves everyone's attention. It's the kind of release that should grant this heretofore unknown band some world renown and recognition.