Blurt Digizine, 11/08

Jay Reatard
Matador Singles 08
(Matador)
www.matadorrecords.com

6If this chronological collection of this year’s batch of singles from prolific punk Jay Reatard is any indication, there should be great expectations. The album marks a steady ascent, some steps higher than others. Opener “See/Saw” is a ’77 rehash that on its own does little to put Reatard above any number of punks playing shitty dive bars and putting out a whole mess of 7-inchers. But the collection gradually progresses, through a palpably paranoid cover of Deerhunter’s "Fluorescent Grey” (where Reatard’s adenoidal yelp is chillingly nightmarish) to the almosttwee,
acoustic-led “No Time” and the closing superlative, “I’m Watching You.” With its eerie synth chords backing Reatard’s distant vocals, the latter song’s narrative sucker-punch (from love song to hate song in the twist of a verse) is made all the more meaningful. Reatard’s career has begun to separate itself from the old school punk revival into something that stands on its own
jittery, nihilistic legs.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Fluorescent Grey,” “No Time,” “I’m Watching You” BRYAN REED

Fucked Up
The Chemistry of Common Life
(Matador)
www.matadorrecords.com

8As a genre dedicated to its roots, punk often walks a razor-thin line between blind copycat-ism or heavy-handed cross-pollination. Toronto’s Fucked Up takes that line, forges it into a blade and uses it to spill blood on any existing preconceptions of what punk rock is supposed to be—when really, punk was never supposed to be anything. Who cares hardcore punk’s greatest hope unveils its Matador debut with a flute solo? It fits the song (“Son The Father”), which rolls out of that feather-light opening into a palm-muted chugging so insistent you’d think you were running stairs with Rocky for the whole of its slow crescendo. And who cares if the production values fit a band whose label boasts major distribution? Again, the music is only helped by Fucked Up’s creative decisions. It’s always seemed as if Fucked Up was as musically thoughtful as it was urgent and indignant. The Chemistry of Common Life is no disappointment. This band
doesn’t fit any mold, just squeezes and rip its way into any it finds, like a fat dude in Joey Ramone’s jeans.
STANDOUT TRACKS: “Son The Father,” “No Epiphany” BRYAN REED

Blurt Digizine, 11/08, pg. 53