The Weakerthans
Reconstruction Site

Easily one of the best band names ever! But don't let the anemic moniker fool you, these Canadian lads pack quite a punch. Like most hack reviewers, I will describe them using comparisons to other, similar bands. Picture a more energetic Luna infused with the spunk of Superchunk and a healthy dose of Jets to Brazil's hyperliterate song stylings and that should give you a decent idea of what this genre-bending, Winnipeg-based foursome is all about. While John K. Samson's delivery is a bit sing-songy and borderline quirky, it meshes nicely with the deceptively robust and complex music that powers along even the quietest of tunes. At times, the protean band floats gently behind the vocals tracks with nary a peep and then it seamlessly explodes into some "Rust Never Sleeps"-era Crazy Horse distortion and sonic energy, exposing the band's punk-rock roots (Samson was a member of Propagandhi).

I cannot put into words how much this CD has floored me (I probably should be able to, but I can't find my thesaurus). Reconstruction Site is an addictive listen that allows you to zone out, drift along and suck in the exceptional musicianship or, if so inclined, listen intently and enjoy the amusing, trenchant and — dare I say — touching lyrics. "I know you'll roll your eyes at this/But I'm so glad you exist" is one of my favorites. Any CD that contains a motivational song sung from the point of view of a kitty ("Plea from a Cat Named Virtue") is more than okay in my book. Everyone — from your scowl-face hardcore buddy to your winsome, Lilith-Fair-loving friend — will dig this hard, trust me. Also pick up the Weakerthans' previous CD, "Left and Leaving", on the mighty G7 Welcoming Committee label.



Good Riddance
Bound by Ties of Blood and Affection

Like their label mates Rise Against, Good Riddance is not too pleased with the state of things in this country and have no problem telling you so in a very engaging and straight forward manner. Meaning, here's a big, heartfelt "F-U" to all you morons spewing hate and jingoistic patriotism. These anti-war, socially conscious stalwarts have put out a slew of rockin' records over the years, each topping the next. This one is simply awesome; fierce, heavy, melodic driving tunes that will inspire, anger and hopefully educate. The Santa Cruz based band deliver a ton of vocal hooks reminiscent of early Descendents (especially on "Remember Me") and their super-tight riffs and pure aggression evoke some the old-time NYC hardcore goodness of the Cro-Mags and Sick of It All. Good Riddance also benefits from one of the best drummers in the biz, Dave Wagenschutz, formerly of Kid Dynamite and Lifetime. Speaking of Kid Dynamite vets…



None More Black
File Under Black

Jason Shevchuk (formerly of Kid Dynamite) has formed a new bitchin' band with guitarist and brother Jeff Shevchuk, bassist Paul Delaney (Kill Your Idols), and drummer Mike McEvoy. This is the type of CD you play at dangerously loud levels as soon as you depart your miserable job and need to drown out the world. On the opening track "Everyday Balloons," Jason sings and strains, "I sore my throat to get it/I tune it in & turn it up to forget it." That pretty much sets the tone for this supremely snotty, angsty, no nonsense piece of PUNK rock. It's the perfect tonic to all the pretty boy emo crap that's been bombarding you on all fronts 24-7. NMB have some great hooks, but they fly by so fast you might not have time to notice and sing along (with a little practice, you'll get it down and will be chanting aloud like a pro). "Risk Management" and "Ice Cream with The Enemy" are two standouts tracks that finely display their cutting sense of humor and manic despair. A therapeutic barrage at lightening speed; it does the body good. Also, kudos to Paul A. Romano for the exceptional artwork!



Heroes of the Alamo
98 to 1

The Heroes laugh in the face of villainous slick production and proudly save the day for those who appreciate the heady days of jangly, lo-fi rock that exposed raw nerves, tossed away pretense and wore its heart proudly on its rolled-up t-shirt sleeve (with a pack of cigs snuggly secured). 98 to 1 is a whimsical, eclectic offering highlighted by the stellar contrasting dual vocalists (one smoky, one smooth) who know how to harmonize well together or go it alone. "Not My Fault" and "That Kind of Girl" are simple and sweet mid-tempo rockers with forceful, emotive vocals that bring to mind early ("Birdbrain"-era) Buffalo Tom. The raspy and thoughtful vocals continue on the dreamy "Elements," one of the strongest tracks on the CD, showing what the band does best. Like I said, HOTA likes to mix it up. "She's Still" is a peppy, punchy ode to a lost love that takes you back to the great pop-punk songs of the '80s. "Jean" will immediately have you asking, "'Is this early Joe Jackson?" Sounds just as good. Nan Turner adds some dulcet vocals on the song and steers it along to a wonderfully explosive climax. Overall, this is a refreshing and fun CD from a band with lots of style and promise. Something tells me they put on a good live show, too. I hope to find out soon. Leave your fort, boys, and come to Philly!



Postal Service
Give Up

Bouncy synths and pianos, sprightly drums, sparse guitars and impeccably delicate vocals are combined into a retro sound and style that you might confuse for a Pretty in Pink soundtrack band. Yes, it's very twee, New Wave '80s (Dream Academy, The Go Betweens) at first listen, but it contains a bit more substance and sadness. Songs like "Such Great Heights" and "Nothing Better" are amazingly potent in their simplicity and emit a serene, honest vibe (no winking irony here). Like John Cusack spinning the Beta Band in High Fidelity, put this CD on in a record store and people will definitely say, "What's this? Sounds cool!"



JL

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