records

Econoline - Music Is Stupid [lp] This is really a short history of a band that has been going now for some years without putting out an album. Most of the tracks are covered here - from the early stuff like 'I'm Plagued' and 'EMV' all the way through to the newest 'Buddy Bradley', you can hear how they've progressed. The various tracks cover their various line-ups and includes both old and current drummers and guitarists. Opener 'The C And The G' has a beautiful slow build up, before the fuzzy guitars and Ian's rasping voice comes clattering in. My favourites? The sing-along happy bouncing tune of 'Empty Sign Up Street' spring to mind. It's so simple and yet so effective. This should be played on daytime radio. Much the same could be said of 'Ounces And Ounces Of Solid Goodness', except this has a much harder edge. The vocals fade in and out to great effect, with part talking, part-singing, part shouting. 'EMV' is an oldie but goodie. It's the perfect quiet/loud song that has you humming the goddamn tune all day. It's a long track that comes in at just over six minutes, but it works so well. I could listen to this track all day. It reminds me in parts of Seafood, but that's not a bad thing by any means. But the best track is left until last. 'Buddy Bradley' is a track I never tire of hearing. It was their last new tune before I moved away from London, and I love it both on the album and live. The drumming is simply stunning, and it's another song that lulls you into thinking that it's quite a slow soft song, until the guitars take you off balance, and Ian's shouty vocals spoil the calm. This band is best defined and listened to live, so get off your skinny little indie arses and go see them in their true light. skippy