After countless attempts to update this blog with my presence (only to be hindered by a lack of inspiration, apathy, and most recently sickness) here I am in what will hopefully be the first of many posts. First up is the 1993 album Bubble and Scrape by lo-fi indie rockers Sebadoh.For indie fans living under a rock for the past two decades, Sebadoh is the main recording outlet for Lou Barlow of Dinosaur Jr and Deep Wound fame. Barlow who was often overshadowed by J Mascis immense songwriting talents formed Sebadoh with percussionist/songwriter Eric Gaffney in 1987 as a way to further showcase his own. The duo released two albums 1987's Weed Forestin' (although essentially a Barlow solo release) and 1988's The Freed Man and were soon joined by multi-instrumentalist Jason Lowenstein. This is the lineup the would go on to record 1991's Sebadoh III and th Smash Your Head on the Punk Rock compilation. Shortly after the release of The Freed Man Barlow was kicked out of Dinosaur Jr. causing much tension and bitterness that would shine through on later Sebadoh recordings.
After a couple EP releases the band released their debut Sub Pop full length 1993's Bubble and Scrape. The album is an overall eclectic mix of the three members songwriting talents with Barlow contributing seven tracks, Gaffney with six, and Lowenstein with four. With it's release it sold over 10,000 copies in it's first week solidifying the band as alternative rock mainstays throughout the 90's.
Barlow's songs are easily the most accessible on this recording often heralding back to the indie pop, love and break up songs of his previous band. While Lowenstein's tracks also hold onto a certain pop awareness although shorter and less traditionally structured. Gaffney's tend to be the real oddballs of this collection often delving into more experimental territory. Weird, disjointed, and seemingly all over the place, his songs are a strange mix of 60's Psychedelic and Minutemen punk rock sensibility. This record would prove to be his last with the band.
Despite the noticeable changes in style the songs manage to meld into a collective whole to form one surprisingly cohesive and solid album. It is a perfect mix of the lo-fi experimentation of earlier records and the more polished pop friendly work that would follow.
Recommended Tracks:
Soul and Fire, Sacred Attention, Homemade (Barlow)
Bouquet for a Siren (Gaffney)
Happily Divided, Sister (Lowenstein)
Bubble and Scrape - if you enjoy the album please support the band and your favorite independent record store by purchasing a copy.
