Jul 01 2008
Sebadoh - III (Reissue)
- Artist: Sebadoh
- Album: III (Reissue)
- Label: Domino
- Release: 1991, 2006
- Links: Official Site
With news of Sebadoh preparing to tour early next year, I thought I’d finally sit down and evaluate Domino’s recent reissue of 1991’s III. The album followed two homemade cassettes (The Freed Man and Weed Forestin‘) that led to a deal with Homestead Records, the original home of III. On III, Lou Barlow, Eric Gaffney, and Jason Loewenstein are at their most self-indulgent. At 23 songs, many of which meander endlessly, III is a challenge to get through. I feel that it is a stretch to call it an indie cornerstone, especially when compared to 1994’s more favorable Bakesale.
III does have a handful of encouraging moments though. “The Freed Pig” is a classic Barlow rocker, a huge bright spot. “Truly Great Thing” captures Barlow’s quiet side and is one of III’s most charming songs. I’m not as attracted to Eric Gaffney’s songwriting as I am Barlow’s, but Gaffney’s “Violet Execution” is excellent. Drummer Jason Loewenstein’s contributions are three throwaways (”Smoke A Bowl, “Black Haired Gurl,” “Hoppin’ Up And Down”). “Smoke A Bowl” and “Black Haired Gurl” are especially painful.
Sebadoh explores a vast array of styles on III and some are more successful than others. The hardcore dirges, particularly the screamy moments in “As The World Dies, The Eyes Of God Grow Bigger” are not something I ever want to hear again. Part of the reason people like III so much is because it is a crazy record. It throws everything to the wind. I suppose that is admirable to an extent, but to me, it’s just a lot of filler. Still, Domino has assembled a fine reissue for the hardcore Sebadoh fans. There is a full bonus disk, which includes 1991’s Gimme Indie Rock EP, alternate takes, and other rarities. A good litmus test for III is “Showtape ‘91,” one of the bonus tracks. If you can make it through this eleven minute rant that Barlow would play at Sebadoh shows, then III might be for you. The reissue also includes obligatory liner notes from all three members. This is an interesting (and bloated) record, no doubt, just not what I want to remember Barlow for.
(10/10/06)
