1. The Blackouts, History in Reverse (K, 2004)
Wonderful retrospective from a truly great Seattle band.
2. The U-Men, Solid Action (Chuckie-Boy, 1999)
The entire magic that was the U-Men is difficult to capture on record. That being said, one listen and you’ll at least have an inkling about the band’s wonderfully managed mayhem. Brace for the opening tracks “Gila” and “Shoot ’em Down,” and hear for yourself the unabashed creativity and insanity.
3. Mr. Epp and the Calculations, Ridiculing the Apocalypse (Super Electro Sound Recordings, 1996)
What’s better than a Mr. Epp compilation? The record opens with DJ Stephen Rabow’s famous “world’s worst rock-and-roll band” commentary.
4. The Young Fresh Fellows, Fabulous Sounds of the Pacific Northwest / Topsy Turvy double album (Popllama, 1988)
As Conrad Uno commented, “What’s not to like?”
5. Jim Basnight, We Rocked and Rolled: 25 Years of Jim Basnight and the Moberlys (Disclosed, 2008)
Basnight’s catchy, melodic songwriting ability is well captured on this retrospective. Standouts include “Rest Up,” “Sexteen,” “Live in the Sun,” and “Blow Your Life Away.”
6. The Fastbacks, The Question Is No (Sub Pop, 1992)
It’s hard to pick just one Fastbacks record. The Question Is No is a wonderful early Fastbacks sampler, spanning recordings from 1981 through 1992.
7. The Walkabouts, Cataract/Rag and Bone (Glitterhouse, 1989)
Just a fabulous, well-recorded folk meets punk meets…from the Walkabouts.
8. The Squirrels, Scrapin’ for Hits (Popllama, 1996)
While it’s tempting to include The Not-So-Bright Side of the Moon, this “greatest hits” sampler provides a nice introduction to this singular band.
9. Green River, Come on Down (Homestead, 1985)
This record, issued prior to Deep Six, perhaps represents grunge’s opening document.
10. The Posies, Failure (Popllama, 1989)
Failure, like the Green Pajamas’ Summer of Lust, represents a wonderful effort that can come only from young musicians unfettered by the vagaries of the world.
Published: October 2011
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