Lost and Safe is stylistically similar to previous Books albums, continuing the duo's rich use of
samples. The samples used on
Lost and Safe originate from sources as diverse as
Raymond Baxter ("That's the picture. You s—you see it for yourself."),
W. H. Auden ("This great society is going smash / A culture is no better than its woods", from his poem "
Woods"), and a reading of
Lewis Carroll's poem "
Jabberwocky". "Venice" samples the bonus track of a 1966 opera record, on which an American reporter describes a
Salvador Dalí "happening" in
Venice. The eclecticism of the samples is partially owed to their origins in used "
bargain bin" records. Throughout the album, these direct samples are juxtaposed with
interpolated vocal passages performed by Books member Nick Zammuto. The Books opted to employ more linear song structures on
Lost and Safe, with the intent of composing material more well suited to live performance. ==Critical reception==