How to get started on a band
Dawn and I were chatting last night about how to expose oneself to a band that's been around for a while. Offhand, I speculated that you should purchase that band's *second* album... I reflected upon it and now think it's a pretty good idea.
My thinking is that a sophomore effort better reflect the long term ability of a band, as opposed to their first album with which they were young, dumb and full of come...
Examples:
Beastie Boys: Paul's Boutique -> hip hop will never be the same.
Yes: Time and a Word -> points out the band's mediocrity.
Rush: Fly By Night -> visionary.
The Clash: Give 'em Enough Rope -> underrated, poppy, yet jarring
Discuss.
Rapeman: Two Nuns and a Pack Mule -> contains "Just Got Paid"
Sayin'.
Pavement: Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain -> probably a tie with Slanted and Enchanted
Beatles: With the Beatles -> if this is the only Beatles record you heard you'd be missing out on <i>lots.</i>
As far as second albums are concerned:
-Angel Dust (FNM's 2nd in the Mike Patton lineup)
-Nevermind
-Paul's Boutique
-De La Soul Is Dead
-Repeater
-the Bends
-It Takes A Nation Of Millions
--Tommorow Is the Question! (Ornette Coleman)
After only 5 minutes or so of this idea, it seems true.. Ill probly think of some glaring exceptions while driving...
Still waiting for a followup to Rapeman's debut...
They also had the Sub Pop "single of the month" 7":
SP40
<i><b>Inki's Butt Crack</i></b>
b/w
<i><b>Song Number One</i></b> (It's not the Fugazi one)
<img src="http://concretewerk.com/blosxom/archives/sub_pop_records_files/sp040.jfif">
I don't think EPs count. Rapeman has one album, Big Black has 3, two of which came out after they broke up.
Wishful thinking on my part, but I think Id have to agree. I tend to look the other way and give false props to bands that write lyrical passages such as "Why don't you snuff it man?/Plant Eating Pussy!")
The only area where that idea of an EP not counting kind of breaks down is if an EP is the absolute first document of a band. Wouldn't a full length following that be more than a debut? I dont know if thats developed enough to be considered "sophmore", but they're not exactly new at that point, either.
There is a different judgement system necessary for bands that have prior art. My theory is intended to apply to a band that has a copious compendium of uncharted work availing itself to the listener.
Fugazi and Shellac, can't be judged in this way as you somehow need to take into account the settling into the public that the artists had already done.
Perhaps a corollary to the "Sophomore Effort Expose."