On Magnolia Electric Co's third album, the group takes things down a notch, not in quality but in distortion and intensity. The result is Fading Trails, a more intimate and thoughtful album that could serve as the soundtrack to the more bittersweet moments of a Western film. This could be in part because much of the guitar work and, on occasion, Jason Molina's vocals are incredibly reminiscent of Neil Young, who was the solo soundtrack to film noir Western Dead Man ("Don't Fade on Me" being the best example). The song sees a heavy drum beat take the forefront at times, and occasionally the ringing of a pedal steel, both of which give way to an onslaught of Young-esque solos. "Montgomery" is similar, though Molina's distressed vocals are at their most weary. Fading Trails is beauty in sadness, the melancholy tone of the music couldn't change even if Molina were singing about rainbows and puppies. -- All Music Guide

Track Listing
1 Dont' Fade on Me
2 Montgomery
3 Lonesome Valley
4 A Little at a Time
5 The Old Horizon
6 Memphis Moon
7 Talk to Me Devil, Again
8 Spanish Moon Fall and Rise
9 Steady Now