Yeah, me neither

Pop Paralysis : Under-appreciated albums from my past, appreciated anew.

Released as a follow up to the acclaimed Bandwagonesque, and at the apex of Grunge, Teenage Fanclub’s, Thirteen didn’t really get its fair shake. While Bandwagonesque was named album of the year by Spin Magazine, reviews of Thirteen were generally unenthusiastic, and fans were divided. Listeners expected the sequel to Bandwagonesque. Instead they got a bridge to the Fanclub’s next album, Grand Prix.

Looking back, I have to admit to falling in line with the critics of the day. After a few listens I set Thirteen aside in deference to the reliable sounds of Bandwagonesque. I was resisting the natural change and evolution of the band.

But evolve they did. Thirteen turned out to be one of those albums that display a band in the middle of a growing spurt. The hooky guitar riffs were now more restrained and finely crafted, the harmonies more central to the mix. The upbeat poppy sound had been set aside in favor of a more introspective, often dark feel.

Internal conflicts within the band and disillusionment with their recent flavor of the month status tinges the album. Lyrics of “Song to the Cynic” suggest resisting people afraid to take chances, possibly an allusion to strife within the band. Similarly, “120 Mins” and “Commercial Alternative” seem to be comments on the band’s new found attention. “120 Min” ticks off a laundry list of the trappings of fame that the singer rejects, then ends with:

I just wanna see your
face again
Be my friend

Taken individually, Thirteen is a collection of fine songs. Each well written and performed. But it’s a transition album. While it may not be as cohesive of a package as Grand Prix or Bandwagonesque, Thirteen has a deserved spot within the bands discography. It definitely has a spot within my collection.

Check out the loping guitar fuzz of the album closer Gene Clark.

Gene Clark

Love this. Also, Black Sheep rule, they did the song. They were a large part of the ’91 “I just got home from Iraq” soundtrack.

This stop motion AT-AT video is kind of awesome. Always wanted one of these when I was a kid

This

Brought me to this:

Which lead to this:

And then this:

Check out Reggie in this diehard commercial

And get his cd here:

All of which is amazing and awesome.