For their second album, Jellyfish replaced the departed Jason Falkner with Tim Smith on bass. Jon Brion also came aboard with Lyle Workman to add to lead singer Andy Sturmer’s guitar work. With Sturmer and keyboard player Roger Manning in place, however, Jellyfish managed to outdo their impressive debut with 1993′s Spilt Milk. Spilt Milk expands on the sound of Bellybutton and is much more a studio creation than its predecessor. Dreamy vocal harmonies, circus-like swirling organ passages, and crunchy guitars are layered in a manner that evokes the best of the Beatles and the Beach Boys. “Hush,” the lead track, particularly recalls the Beach Boys with its luscious vocal harmonies, as does the pure pop of “The Ghost at Number One.” And, as expected from this cast, the infectious, melt-in-your-ear melodies are accompanied with clever lyrics like those on the raucous “Joining a Fan Club ” and the masturbation ode “He’s My Best Friend.” Spilt Milk is a flawless pop gem from start right through the unbridled optimism of the closing “Brighter Day.” – Tom Demalon