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Wouldn't the simplest way to find out about the CD theft be to check the cover plastic for the T&G sticker? If it's not ripped then the shop weren't at it (I couldn't imagine them peeling it off without tearing it - it's like they're stuck with some sort of super adhesive!).

andyman wrote:Wouldn't the simplest way to find out about the CD theft be to check the cover plastic for the T&G sticker? If it's not ripped then the shop weren't at it (I couldn't imagine them peeling it off without tearing it - it's like they're stuck with some sort of super adhesive!).

or walk over to the CD bin and see if they are selling a 'used' copy of the shellac CD the day it comes out, and it just happens to be 5 bucks because it has 'no artwork' and be a blank disc like the one that came with the vinyl....

I really like this record, I agree w/ Redline that is the first to really capture their sense of humor that comes across so strong in the live show. Also think this is their first album to really incorporate (spirit at least) of the live improvs, obviously “End of Radio” and “Lulabelle”, which oddly hasn’t every really done much for me when they’ve played it live, but sounds perfect on record. Both songs are such an extreme examples of what I’ve always sort of thought of as “soundcheck rock”, where the instruments play alone or back and forth in a non-solo way (Shellac are basically the Black Sabbath of “soundcheck rock”, though “Hello There” by Cheap Trick is an early and important example of the genre). But, its also the direction they’ve heading in for a long time.

The songs work really well together, it feels like a more cohesive album then 1000 Hurts. “Be Prepared” is easily one of their best songs, the back and forth vocals are sweet and I love the ZZ Top-esque boogie in the middle. In fact I think the vocals are one of the strongest elements of the record. The long part of “Lulabelle” with just Albini singing is a brave move and one that pays off. I remember having the guest vocals being explained to me before the album came out and not being too keen on the idea, but it works. Weston’s vocals are strong as well, especially on “Boycott”. Great that “Spoke” finally made it to a record since I’ve loved it when they played it live the first time I saw them 11 yrs ago and the “Rotosound Strings” part is brilliant. I think "Steady As She Goes" isn't quite as good as the Peel Session vers, though that take of the song is perfect example of why Peel Sessions are so great, no shame in that. Overall it’s a great record.


Not Crap, no waffles

the Classical wrote:Both songs are such an extreme examples of what I’ve always sort of thought of as “soundcheck rock”, where the instruments play alone or back and forth in a non-solo way (Shellac are basically the Black Sabbath of “soundcheck rock”, though “Hello There” by Cheap Trick is an early and important example of the genre). But, its also the direction they’ve heading in for a long time.

Speaking of soundcheck rock, I saw Fishbone play an outdoor show at Tufts University in 1994 and I was so high that I was under a tree in the fetal position during one of their songs thinking, Man, this so fucking good. Turns out the song was just their soundcheck and there was something funny in that pot.

Not exactly what you were talking about, but it came to mind.

Also, "Arpeggiator" by Fugazi (a great song) sounds sort of like someone soundchecking a guitar's tuning.

Maybe echoing the sentiments of Redline and teh Classical, this was the first Shellac album that came across as so blatantly fun to me. Not saying they weren't fun before, but here it's just overwhelming almost. It's great.

Be Prepared is gonna be their MTV breakthrough smash hit of the summer or something.[/kidding but only cause I know better] Pretty soon all the little kiddies will be buying Shellac albums. What a glorious fucking thing that would be, in terms of the future of music.

But yeah, I've only listened to it twice so far, but I'm pretty sure this is my favorite Shellac album. That's great.

NOT CRAP, WF:0

Oh and by the way, Brad, you said "awesome".

it's sounds like an ACDC 's album... naked!

Steve V. wrote:
If there is a next...

The next record is Cowbell

Great so far, and I'm only through side 1.

There's a verrrry low frequency rumble right at the start - after putting the needle down on the vinyl, there was about 10 seconds of serious speaker movement - probably about 30Hz? Looooooowwww.

Edit: Doh, had my speaker up so loud that it was causing vibration on the platter. The rock was too much!

Purchased! Listened to! I like!

I also wish that they would have thrown in a whole song with that ZZ-Top 'boogie'. So good.

I really like "The End of Radio". Such a sad song...

I am confused by "Genuine Lulabelle". But I don't skip over it while listening.

Last weekend, there were some guests at my house who had never heard of Shellac. They don't buy records. But they were oohing and aahing as I showed off the immaculate object that this record is.

This might be my favorite Shellac record. I was a little more impressionable when At Action Park came out, though.

I like Steve's stuff as much as he likes mine.