It's was almost 20 years ago on a night very much like this, deep in middle America. Horrifically cold, drunk, underachieving, chain-smoking at this dive rock bar off the I-70, there Chunter and I sat as the only two before a butt-littered stage with a trio of pitchers. Big Dipper was here. From Boston. Not going to get too cold enough to keep us in the dorm this night. It was Big Dipper on stage there just for us. In fact we saw a number of shows like that. Where we the only two in this college town with any fuckin' taste?
So I owe Big Dipper a lot. Got me away from my first roommate (ex-military who loved knives) for a night. Solid, smart and cheery pop music. And, yes, with a middle America connection (see The Embarrassment).
_________________________
Allmusic: With the legendary Sean Slade/Paul Kolderie team doing the producing honors at Fort Apache studios, Big Dipper built upon the strengths of Boo-Boo (included with the CD version of Heavens) quite successfully. As with their earlier release, the music sparks with post-punk/power pop fire, but often eschews romantic angst dark or light for less expected lyrical realms. "Easter Eve" captures the slightly off spirit of Big Dipper well -- besides being an unheard-of holiday, the strong riffs always end quickly, holding back a touch, chopping along with a strange intensity. "Younger Bums" has a great, strong central riff, even while Goffrier and company dismiss the title characters and their frustrating ways. Though the variety of the record isn't high, at points the four members nicely reach to new heights, assisted by the sharp, but never overly polished, work of Slade and Kolderie. "Lunar Module" has an especially fine, trancy ending, the band chanting "That's what it seems" slowly over a leisurely fading groove. "Man O' War" features a guest mandolin player; its rushed pace and ruminative lyrics, not to mention Goffrier's delivery, sounds like a hyperactive American cousin of the Go-Betweens. It's a feeling that crops up more than once throughout the record, Goffrier's slightly tremulous passion (no matter what the subject) lending the music an extra punch. The album ends on a fine note with "Guitar Named Desire," a slightly surfy, mostly instrumental track that kicks up its heels nicely. Charming and forceful all at once, Heavens boded well for Big Dipper as the full start of its recording career.
Hear
2 comments:
you know they reunited, right? saw them earlier this year in NYC. A tad rusty, but not bad at all, played a long, energetic set, included rarities, and did an Embarrassment song, too.
I saw The Embarrassment did a few shows in Lawrence at some point. I think I'm a little sour about the reunion shows (with the exception of the first Dinosaur reunion tour). But my fondness for Big Dipper knows no bounds. Gary Waleik was one of two band members who wrote me back regarding an interview for my high school newspaper. I sent out 50 letters maybe. Todd Trainer was the other. He can't shake me now
Post a Comment