Advertise with The Big Takeover
The Big Takeover Issue #95
Top 10
MORE Top 10 >>
Subscribe to The Big Takeover

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Shop our Big Takeover store for back issues, t-shirts & CDs


Follow Big Takeover on Facebook Follow Big Takeover on Bluesky Follow Big Takeover on Instagram

Follow The Big Takeover

Greg Bartalos: September 10, 2006

  1. Descendents – All (SST)

    The album kicks off with “All”— clocking in at all of one second (according to the CD). The Guinness Book of World Records, however, allegedly claims that Napalm Death’s “You Suffer” is the world’s shortest song at 1.316 seconds. It’d be interesting to see if indeed “You Suffer” is shorter. If it’s not, someone should call the Guinness folks to set the record straight! (Ironically, both songs were released in 1987.) Anyway, the real stars on this album are speedy gems like “Coolidge,” “Cameage,” “Jealous of the World” and “Clean Sheets.” Milo Aukerman’s melodic and heartfelt vocals work perfectly here. But mixed in are a few duds like the absolutely disposable “Van” and “All-o-gistics.”

  2. Matching Mole – Smoke Signals

    This live CD from 1972 shows off the Mole’s technical prowess, but a lack of coherence makes this less gratifying than the band’s terrific self-titled studio record.

  3. The Long Winters – Putting the Days to Bed (Barsuk)

    A very good record but not in the same league as the outstanding When I Pretend to Fall. Still, it’s a definite winner.

  4. Spirit – Spirit (Sony)

    A solid debut with stylistic flair to spare. On “Taurus” you can hear where Led Zeppelin may have gotten the idea for “Stairway to Heaven.”

  5. Thee More Shallows – “Monkey Vs Shark”

    Moody, dark and subtle yet pin-point precise. This is one of my favorite new bands. Go to More Deep Cuts to hear this group in its element.

  6. Naked Raygun – “Treason”

    Awesome firepower from one of Chicago’s best.

  7. The Go-Betweens – “Finding You”

    An oh so pretty and moving song from last year’s highly recommended Oceans Apart.

  8. Lambchop – Damaged (Merge)

    I wish I liked this more. It’s not up to par with Lambchop’s best work like Nixon. Still, I’m trying to be patient with it and don’t have access to lyrics, which truly could clarify matters!

  9. Captain Sensible – “The Coward of Treason Cove”

    The Damned’s guitarist turns out a majestic finale to his terrific and highly varied 1989 solo album Revolution Now.

  10. The Stranglers – “Norfolk Coast”

    This corker from 2004 is whetting my appetite in anticipation of the release of Suite XVI (their 16th studio album) later this month.