Monday, February 1, 2016

Give Game Theory's Masterpiece a Go

This is a quick reminder that should brighten your manic Monday. Game Theory's 'Lolita Nation' will be reissued on Friday, and while some of you may take exception with this headline, naming 'Real Nighttime' as the one you gotta have, this 1987 double album was, is and will always be my favorite of the late Scott Miller's work. Once again, Mitch Easter was at the board, and he helped Miller and a tweaked roster push the boundaries a bit, creating a more experimental (and occasionally darker) brand of paisley pop. A couple of the 27 original tracks are bordering on the bizarre, but songs like "The Waist and the Knees" and "Chardonnay" are perfection.

If you have been following Omnivore Recordings' reissue campaign, then you know Game Theory's work has been handled with expert care. As with 'Real Nighttime,' the CD version has a second disc chock full of alternate mixes, live recordings, and radio sessions... 21 tracks in all! There are a bevy of covers too, and it's a fantastic showcase of Miller's tastes, including David Bowie, the Modern Lovers, Sex Pistols, Elvis Costello, the Smiths, the Stooges, Joy Division, the Hollies and Public Image Ltd. The LP reissue is the original double album, of course, and the first pressing is on dark green translucent vinyl. It will include a download card for the entire 48 tracks from the double-CD program. 'Lolita Nation' is where I came in, and perhaps that's why I look on this album with such fondness, but I don't think it's out of turn to say you can't call yourself a fan of power pop without this one in your collection.

"Not Because You Can"

5 comments:

The Swede said...

Wow, I used to have 'Real Nighttime', Big Shot Chronicles' and 'Lolita Nation', but sold them many, many years ago when I was in one of my occasional financial pickles and someone offered me silly money for them. Game Theory haven't crossed my mind for an eternity. I must listen to some of their stuff again.

kevinpat said...

Masterfully done p0p.

kevinpat said...

What?? No love for this pop rock classic?? Zupwitdat?

Brian said...

You know what they say, Swede, buy low and sell high. Those records were out of print forever. These reissues change the market a bit.

Kevinpat, Crickets.

kevinpat said...

No crickets here, just a lot of jangle & sparkle.

Their loss.