>> Mint 2004
Grade: A

Nardwuar the Human Serviette is rather
famous in his own right: my own exposure to
him primarily consists of his interview spots
on Going Coastal. His gig mostly involves
him acting like a doofus around bands he
interviews, while they make fun of him. It is
apt, then, that his band The Evaporators
saves a step by skipping the interview process,
and getting straight to the crazy tomfoolery.

The Evaporators’ sound is, to say the least,
silly, If ever a band sounded like they love
doing stupid things, this band is it. With
songs like “Addicted to Cheese,”
“T.D.N.M.ET.T.M.WM.FA.” (I Don’t Need
My Friends to Tell Me Who My Friends Are), and thee alliterative “I Feel Like a Fat Frustrated
Fuck,” this is one band that knows where it wants to be: making silly music about silly things, and
enjoying every minute of it. Though simple, the band’s musical direction is soothing, and quirky
in a way many bands never experiment with. It’s not often that such a humorous album will keep
me occupied for as long as this one has. In fact, Fshould go ahead and buy this.album on 8-Track
(you really can!), just so I can tell people [ve listened to it in my friend Tom’s shed in snow-laden
Dunster on 8-Track. It’s that fun.

- Josh

THATS NOT How
IT worKS pyAN/
QrLLS DON'T JUST

‘Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo are certainly well

14

FEBRUARY 11, 2004

THEYRE STILL \/ Agen,
RIGHT THE GASP:

Go AWAYY/

7
ICAL

(i

The Raveonettes: Chain Gang of Love
>> Sony 2003
Grade: C-/D+

The Raveonettes, “disenchantment with the
state of the music,” are on a mission to release
“a brand-new rock ‘n’ roll sound for the rest of
the world.” This Danish duo has certainly been
around, musically speaking. With influences
ranging from Bob Dylan to-ancient Hindustani
classical music, they seem to have the back-
ground and training to deliver on their promise.
But could this; theit second album, deliver?

The answer, unfortunately, is no. While Sune

that Great hove Gowmd jor esertee RY
| ao ci ak a teaoes | COLUMBIAS®

15S HAA

mw PAVEONETTLS

RECORDED IN B” MAJOR

practiced as a band, and apparently put on a i ; j
good live show, “Chain Gang of Love” is really
nothing new. In fact, the entire album seems deriv-
ative of others, including a prominent reliance on the Buddy Holly school of guitar. This is
itself isn't necessarily a problem (songs like “Remember” interest me somewhat), but most songs
do not stand out from the pack. While I’m not looking for absolute brilliance as every song out-
does the one before it with its beauty and grace, or for each song to make me weep tears of joy,
1 do appreciate when there is enough variety from one song to the next to keep me from just
tuning an album out so J can cook some jalapeno poppers or re-string my guitar.

In short, the Raveonettes may claim to spearhead-a new rock and roll for a new generation,

but they seem to merely repackage what others have done. And their packaging is made of
Kraft Singles. They get points for effort, but a D for creativity.

~ Josh