US Maple surprised many fans with this album. After two of the most deconstructed albums of all-time, Talker and Acre Thrills; it's hard to believe they would dare put out something that is so groovy and melody-oriented. In fact, it's so unexpected that this album feels practically more dizzying than it's predecessors. Of course, this wouldn't be a US Maple album if the music wasn't at least slightly off-kilter and deranged (and it is!). Many fans were disappointed upon it's release and the addition of a Bob Dylan cover (Lay Lady Lay) was considered an outright sacrilege, but personally, I must say I quite enjoy Purple On Time. This is their most "accessible" record since Long Hair In Three Stages, yet it's got enough unexpected surprises and bizarre twists to quench my thirst for the weird. We haven't heard much from this Chicago outfit since it's release and if it's to be their swan song, I find it to be a dignified bookend to a wonderfully unique career.