Wild Nothing – Gemini (Captured Tracks)
Yes this one has gotten a lot of hype, but in this case it’s deserved. Although JACK TATUM, the mastermind behind Wild Nothing, is only 22 years old, this record sounds like it could’ve come out on Factory or 4 AD in the early to mid ’80s. I’ll be honest here. There’s nothing particularly new or original here, but this stuff is like catnip to me. Opener “Live in Dreams”, in particular, is total early FOR AGAINST style Factory/4 AD worship. Not all of the songs on Gemini are up to the same standard, but enough of them, particularly “Summer Holiday,” “O, Lilac” and “Chinatown” are indeed of similar quality. The rest of it isn’t bad, either!
Wild Nothing – “Cloudbusting” EP (Captured Tracks)
Since he’s an avowed KATE BUSH fan, it should be no surprise that he’s covered one of her best songs on the A-side of this fantastic single. What’s a surprise is that he pulls it off given how singular her style is. The B-side, “Promise”, shows off his more dance-ish side and isn’t a million miles removed from mid ’80s NEW ORDER or even the more wistful side of THE PET SHOP BOYS.
Wild Nothing – “Summer Holiday” EP (Captured Tracks)
This is, I believe, Wild Nothing’s debut single. “Summer Holiday” is also on the album, but “Vultures Like Lovers” is an exclusive B-side.
Wild Nothing‘s 50 Favorite Songs of the ’80s
Check out the list here. I know the format is annoying, but it’s nice that they’re streaming all of these songs. I listened to all of them over the past few days. I already knew most of these songs, but there were a few nice surprises from artists I’d never heard before, too. Still, any list that starts with my favorite song from THE CLASH‘s Combat Rock and then continues with THE GUN CLUB‘s amazing “Brother and Sister” will surely get my attention! It’s no wonder I like Wild Nothing so much given Jack Tatum’s exquisite taste.
Superchunk – Majesty Shredding (Merge)
The first new Superchunk album since 2001’s Here’s to Shutting Up basically picks up right where last year’s great Leaves in the Gutter EP left off. They even put “Learned to Surf”, the EP’s best song, on the album as well. I’m not complaining, though. My other favorite on here is “Crossed Wires”. At this point, the ‘chunk are like THE RAMONES, MOTORHEAD or AC/DC. You know exactly what you’re gonna get and you know it’s gonna be good. Sure, they’re not breaking new ground here, but who cares? I’ll take a dozen albums full of songs like these.
The Vaselines – Sex with an X (Sub Pop)
From my initial listen, the first Vaselines album in over 20 years was worth the wait. I’ve only gotten a chance to hear it once since The Guardian started streaming it yesterday and our pre-order (with a bonus 7” of demo versions) arrived today, so expect it to show up on future lists as well.
The Smiths – The Smiths (Rough Trade)
Leatherface – The Stormy Petrel (No Idea)
Circle Jerks – Wild in the Streets (Faulty Products)
I’m not 100% sure if the original mix of this album has ever been reissued (though I recall the Porterhouse label recently putting out Group Sex on vinyl), but this mix totally destroys the more common version that’s on the 2-for-1 CD where this album is paired with Group Sex. Here some background and insight into the difference between the two versions.
Dot Dash – Hurrah EP (Edition 59)
This is a 3” CD that’s strictly limited to 59 copies, just like all of this label’s other releases. Apparently, this was completely paid for by the label, which is why they chose to release these songs in such a bizarre format. In any case, this is great indie-pop from two former members of the sadly missed JULIE OCEAN along with drummer DANNY INGRAM, formerly a touring member of SWERVEDRIVER. You can order it here.
