Artist: The Lucksmiths
Year: 1998
So, my two favorite bands from Australia/New Zealand are probably the Clean and the Lucksmiths. I love them. You may be scratching your head and wondering why, if I'm so enamored, they are showing up on this countdown at the modest rankings of 61 and 52, respectively. As usual, it's a '90s issue. With the Clean, I gravitate to the '80s material. When it comes to the Lucksmiths, my favorite albums, like 'Warmer Corners' and 'First Frost,' are from the '00s. That said, these fellas had some great songs in this decade, and there was a bit of trouble choosing. If you've ever endured a long-distance relationship, then you might understand why "Guess How Much I Love You" nearly won the day. In the end, I went with "Untidy Towns" as much for the vocals as the jangle. At this point, the band had been around for about five years, and Marty Donald's turns of the pen were pure magic. "T-Shirt Weather" was just around the corner, and the Lucksmiths were finally about to take off. I'm not normally one to direct potential listeners to a compilation, but if you're a newbie, do yourself a favor and get 'Cartography for Beginners.'
8 comments:
Another band that were just a name until now. I must have a track or two on compilations somewhere, but aside from that I know nothing. I enjoyed 'Untidy Towns' a great deal though and immediately hopped over to eMusic with a view to downloading 'Cartography' on your recommendation. It appears that their full catalogue is available over there. Should I go for 'Warmer Corners' or 'First Frost' instead or start off with 'Cartography'?
Great question, Mr. Swede. You strike me as someone who might like to just dive into the albums. Having said that, there are seven songs on the comp that come from the two albums I'm recommending. There are also quite a few early singles and portions of EPs on that comp that you might have some trouble digging up at this point (not positive about... making an assumption) that I'm quite certain you would enjoy.
If you're all about the vinyl, you might be able to still get Warmer Corners. It was reissued a couple of years ago for the first time in that format, and the sound is incredible. I know it was limited edition, but there might still be some copies around.
OK, final answer... I would start with the 35-song compilation with the expectation you will want everything!
Perhaps some others will want to weigh in. I know Friend of Rachel Worth is a big fan.
I like the Clean too. I need to investigate Lucksmiths. I've been on a New Zealand Flying Nun kick lately. Listening to the Verlaines, Bats, Sneaky Feelings and Able Tasmans. Great stuff!
Hi McPop, It's nice to see the Flying Nun material receiving a second life through Captured Tracks' reissues. I have an original Flying Nun copy of Sneaky Feelings' 'Send You,' but I saw the reissue in a shop the other day and nearly bought it for all of the bonus material. I don't own anything from Able Tasmans. That's where I need to be investigating. If you can spare a moment, let me know what you think I need.
Oh, and I'm sure New Zealanders love when Americans lump them in with Australians as if they don't have their own country. Many apologies to that great island nation.
OK, I'll go for the comp first and see how I get on with that - thanks!
I'm with you on the albums from the '00's Brian. From the 90's I really like Only Angels Have Wings. That was the first track I ever heard by them, when someone put it on a compilation tape for me many years ago. Great little CD with the likes of The Go Betweens, Orange Juice and The June Brides on it.
Hi Scott. That sounds like a CD I would hang on to. Those later albums are so good... gotta give 'em a pass on the earlier ones.
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