na: MEATJACK
Super quick new arrivals post…
I don’t know a single thing about the band Meatjack, but the samples on their album Trust are blowing my mind. Extreme noise terror, super-distorted vocals and ridiculous, pile-driving riffs. There’s a song called “Skin the Sky.” How do you skin the sky? What does that even mean? There’s nothing about this I dislike. It’s like Boris suddenly got sick of moving so slowly and decided to play all their songs in double-time. Good god, the name of the band is Meatjack. I think that says it all.
As far as bands that are not Meatjack and don’t sound like you’re being hit over the head with a garbage truck:
Bettie Serveert, Lamprey.
This dovetails nicely with Yancey’s post a few weeks ago about the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. When they released Palomine, Bettie Serveert were instantly hailed as the band that stood to benefit most from the new union between Matador and Atlantic. When Lamprey came out it was viewed by most as a disappointment, but that’s just straight silly. There are loads of gems on here, from the slipper-glass fragile “D. Feathers” to the cannonball-charge of “Re-Feel It.” Carol van Dyk’s voice is gorgeous and broken, and the band is fantastic at that early-90s tangle-of-guitars indie-rock sound. In a way, it sounds more prescient than ever — you can hear little bits of Feist and Neko Case and Mirah hidden deep within these songs. Not to be missed.
Also worthwhile, the Half-Cocked compilation, which includes great tracks by Slant 6, Unwound, Freakwater and — a personal favorite of mine — Sleepyhead. Also, the second track on the soundtrack to Hal Hartley’s Amateur sounds pretty cool. Some unknown band — My Bloody Valentine? — with a little song called “Only Shallow.” Could be huge. Not sure why I’ve never heard of these guys.
So, you know, they’re all good, but only one of them has a song called “Skin the Sky.” You have been warned.
Joe, Are you kidding when you say you haven’t heard of My Bloody Valentine? I’m not a big fan but I know they’ve been around for ages. Judging from this and other posts of yours they’re right up your ally.
re: Meat Jack
The songs “Skin the Sky” and “Can’t See You” are so raucous my poor computer speakers are still rattling!!!!!!
Oh, man, Sleepyhead’s Starduster is one of those classically obscure indie rock gems that MUST be shared amongst pals. Because there is no other way you’ll ever find out. I’ve not heard their other musics, but that’s one of my favorite mid-90s moments.
it’s probably better that you haven’t heard of my bloody valentine. they suck, and had no influence on anyone ever due to their sucking. they sound kind of like bush if bush forgot how to write brilliant songs (as if!).
MiDo - totally kidding. i love MBV!
WOW, jm, that’s what i call an expert statement. Always good to know that there are so many music connoseurs around to provide musical guidance. Respect!
I have a feeling jm was also being sarcastic. Man, apparently the lesson of the day is: DO NOT JOKE ABOUT MY BLOODY VALENTINE.
Bush? You can’t possibly be serious.
Joe, joke about whatever you like. If the idiots really don’t get it, it’s just funnier for the rest of us
Wheeew, I thought I was taking crazy pills. Sorry I’m so mired in the everyday person who doesn’t listen to good music that I forgot all about sarcasm :-P.
BUSH IS THE BEST BAND EVER!!!!! (see I, too, know Sarcasm)
i saw my bloody valentine at Oxford Polytechnic back in - egads - 87 or 88 or something. they made me realise… even though guitar strings broke and everyone else i was with thought they sucked.