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excellent italian greyhound
album review
by donald dusinberre
imartsyfartsy@gmail.com


Artist:
Shellac

Title:
 Excellent Italian Greyhound

Release Date:
 06.05.07

Label:
 Touch & Go Records


      How can a band release a record seven years after their last one and still matter? Apparently, by having the “venerable” Steve Albini playing in and recording the group. Since the late eighties, Albini has recorded dozens of legendary albums, making his unique sound and strict principles a highly regarded standard of excellence. However, the only way Excellent Italian Greyhound should matter is if it’s good. The recording is the same as it always was, and there are some really great songs on it, but there are some really stupid and lazy songs on it too.

      The second half is really good. ‘Kittypants’ (track 6), is a short yet harmonious song with weaving guitar and bass parts that are seldom heard from Shellac. ‘Boycott’ (track 7) and ‘Paco’ (track 8) are classic heavy-handed Shellac, with the bass and drums in the forefront. ‘Spoke’ begins with a shot of Shellac’s famous sense of humor, as the band plays a snippet of music better suited for a Juliana Hatfield record, but the hardcore quickly returns to finish off the album.

      As for the first five songs, Shellac often sound like they’re messing around while the tape is rolling, all the while pretending to be an avant-garde group. The opening track is long and trite. ‘Steady As She Goes,’ ‘Be Prepared’ and ‘Elephant’ are good rock songs, but rather ordinary for Shellac. ‘Genuine Lulabelle’ is atrocious and should be avoided at all costs.

      Frankly, I’m a little insulted. Shellac may be taking us for a ride, knowing that we’ll gobble up anything they toss in our general direction. They’ve got no reason to explore new sounds or ideas if we keep buying into the same old stuff. Albini and Shellac have always made it clear that they play on their own terms, but how long should we follow an unwavering and unadventurous path? The indie community has been kissing Albini’s ass for years, and I believe it’s about time we moved on.

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