Garageland, Last Exit To Garageland (1996)
This felt like such a breath of fresh air to me when it was released – well, maybe that’s not even quite right; it wasn’t entirely fresh, perhaps it was rather obvious where it all came from, but it was such a strong collection of songs. So much so they never bettered it. There were ideas across the second album, in particular – but this debut is the one that stands strong. I’ve written about it and the band and the impact this album had on me at a formative time – and that’s about all I need to say. Though it was interesting that when Flying Nun finally got around to putting out this reissue – after canvassing and campaigning a couple of years ago – I noticed a bit of a backlash, a few people saying they were somewhat tired and/or bored by this; that it didn’t pass muster, didn’t float the boat as it once did. Well, each to their own of course but I’m loving the chance to reconnect. And I was super grateful to receive some sort of review-copy vinyl – that almost never happens, and particularly from Flying Nun. So I really appreciate that obviously. But the music still works for me. It’s wrapped up in nostalgia of course. But that’s the case with so much of the music we love – particularly as the calendar rolls on, right? I got hooked on this and that hook is still there. I’m called by it every day, I couldn’t play this over and over but it’s great for a treat now and then. (Particularly as the earlier EP is included, with that terrific song, Struck among others). Flying Nun could sort their shit out with the download codes though – if it doesn’t work you’re fucked. You ask for help and don’t get any. That’s a bit shit. Almost as shitty as complaining after being given something for free, right…?

Sample Track: Fingerpops
The Vinyl Countdown is a document of every LP I listen to, brand new discoveries and old-old favourites; extremely pre-loved, previously abandoned or with the shrink-wrap having just been removed it’s all here at The Vinyl Countdown