yes it does involve shaking your ass

Twenty years ago, Superchunk helped pave the indie scene by releasing their only hit: Slack Motherfucker. It was about working for a, er, slack motherfucker, and a high-energy, fast-paced anthem for losers everywhere. After that they vanished from the spotlight, but were far from over. They released eight albums before they taking a semi-hiatus in 2001, only to sporadically release rarity compilations and do live shows.

They recently released Majesty Shredding, their first full album in nine years, but that's a different story. I want to talk about their 2001 masterpiece Here's to Shutting Up. It's a perfect mix of "fuck yeah" fast-paced jams and chill songs. It sort of has an emo vibe, and the third track Phone Sex takes a brilliant venture into country. As you get into the second half the songs get calmer and feel sort of lonely, which makes it a perfect album for rainy days; if you don't feel like talking to anyone, this is a great album to put on. I suggest you listen to it much more that that though.

'twas a dinosaur act

Post-rock, overall, is pretty okay, I guess. Some people can sit in their own filth and misery while listening to dreamy whispers over ominous static, others can't. I fall into the latter. The fuel to depressing music, in my opinion, needs a little more substance. That's why I can sit in my own filth and misery to Red House Painters much better than, say, Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Despite my little schpiel on post-rock, I rediscovered Things We Lost in the Fire by Low recently, and I really enjoy it. I'm a sucker for female and male vocals combined, so maybe that's what's doing the trick. I still can't see the appeal of Justin Bieber, though.

BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURN

It's funny because he's a man-lady. Haha. Anyways, Low's whispery-soft female delivery with the solid-yet-light tone of the male's really hooks me in, along with the chimes and acoustic guitar. It's so soothing that they can ask "What is a whore?" (in the aptly-named track 'Whore') and make it sound gospelesque. The lack of synth is also very refreshing from what I've been listening to lately. I think minimalism that can still express heavy anger or sadness is miles more advanced than "LOL WE ADD SYNTH AND SING ABOUT MY HEART EXCEPT IT'S A TICKING CLOCK WAITING 4 U." 'Like a Forest' portrays the former experience. Low really does a good job of crafting a unique experience that feels uneasy yet melancholic.

You see right through meee; I see right through youuuu

Hot off the heels of The Moon and Antarctica, Modest Mouse had to release something that would seem at least decent compared to it. Interestingly enough, they decided to release the album that was originally going to be their debut - Sad Sappy Sucker. Originally set for a 1994 release, SSS was delayed for reasons my sources (i.e., Wikipedia) don't know. But, in my humble opinion, it would have been one of the best fucking debuts ever. It is, for the most part, consistently ace; and there's 24 tacks. Only The Lonesome Crowded West could top this behemoth.

[Best Tracks: Four-Fingered Fisherman, Classy Plastic Plumber, From Point A to Point B, Dukes Up]

Gym Class, 2002

Ah, Gym Class. What's to say about it that hasn't already been said? Be it skinny and weak or fat and slow, you're getting screwed by some douchebag coach that eats donuts and Twinkies whilst you work your ass off. Here's how to simulate the true P.E. experience:
1. Punch yourself in the balls
2. Put on something comfortable
3. Get really sweaty
4. Take some downers
5. Do jumping jakcs in your bathroom
6. Listen to these albums
7.Wonder why you're better than everyone else