We assume most MAGNET readers are already under the magical, musical spell of the Soundtrack Of Our Lives, but if not, 2011 is the perfect time to change that. The Gothenburg, Sweden, band just released Golden Greats, No. 1 (Little W/The Orchard), a 19-track compilation of songs from throughout the group’s career. TSOOL formed in 1995 after the demise of Union Carbide Productions, a great, punk-leaning band featuring vocalist Ebbot Lundberg and guitarist Ian Persson. Since, TSOOL has released five studio albums and a handful of EPs and non-album singles, earning a Grammy nomination for 2002’s excellent Behind The Music. Lundberg will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our brand new Q&A with him.
Lundberg: Who would have known that Ugly Things publisher and label chief Mike Stax would have an alter ego, stunt double or whatever he is, singing and writing brilliant, old-school garage/psych songs for a little-known, but amazingly talented band, the Loons. On this, their 1999 debut album (CD, pardon the old-school jargon) on niche-market, cutting-edge label Get Hip, Stax and friends do their take on classic ’60s classic rock. Always interesting and amazingly versatile, the band is just too talented to go unnoticed. Stax’s vocal on original songs written by him and guitarist Eric Bacher lead the charge. But behind his voice and Bacher’s guitar are incredibly versatile instrumentation. To be found here are slide guitars, harpsichords, harmoniums, sitars, autoharps, vibes, hammered bass strings, harmonica, pianos and organs along with the usual bottom-end bass and drums.
Literally everything except the kitchen sink. Wait a minute what was that I just heard? Well, you get the idea. These guys the are truly talented musicians playing inspired original tunes. The 12-track, 46-minute masterpiece has no weak link. Honest, it’s that good! You’ve never heard of the Loons? Don’t feel alone. I happened upon them by complete accident, then perusing the liner notes was shocked to see the familiar name. No, not the record label, but rather the above-mentioned writer, record-label owner and all-around rock-music authority Mike Stax. How in the world does he do it? How can one man wear so many hats? And they all fit so perfectly! Well, my hats off to Mr. Stax and all his endeavors. Long live the Loons. Call me a Loon-atic ’cause I’m absolutely nuts over these guys. Pardon the cheap pun, because there’s nothing cheap about this band. Good songs and good instrumentation, and throughout the songs are both intriguing and unforgettably catchy. What a wonderful combination. Get this CD while its stil available. Whatever it takes, don’t miss the boat. Get this CD! Get on board with the Loons. You’ll enjoy the trip through time. Guaranteed. And also, check out Ugly Things magazine, you dorks!
Video after the jump.
