By Tom Smith
Contributing Writer
Horsegirl
‘Versions Of Modern Performance’
Matador Records
11 out of 11 stars
I was fortunate to be made aware of the record I’m reviewing this month’s existence by my place of business.
I work at the Green Bay UFO Museum Gift Shop and Records (GBUFO) at 2248 University Avenue, and one of the ways you learn about new music is input from customers.
Not too long ago, a customer named Steve Whalen (yes, the same Steve Whalen who was the phenomenal frontperson for Cherry Cake, my second favorite Milwaukee band of all time , and yes, Die Kreuzen is number one) special ordered this album at the GBUFO, and in his next visit after purchasing it passionately explained to me how great it is.
Steve’s convincing argument on behalf of the album intrigued me so much that I ordered a copy for myself.
Steve was not understating how impressive the debut album by this Chicago trio is.
This album instantly became a daily in-store play at the GBUFO just because of how much fun it is and how lost you can get in the record while listening to it.
I would get busy at work and not be able to really focus on the record, but when the store traffic slowed down and I focused more on the music I would go, “What am I listening to? This is really good.”
I would forget what it was, sometimes running over to the boombox to check what it was (yes, I bought this first on compact disc).
I must also honestly admit that a few times, also while listening to this album, I would get lost in something and then I’d be going, “Which Sonic Youth album is Kim Gordon singing on currently?”
If anyone had ever asked the question, “What would a band sound like if reminiscent of Sonic Youth in the Daydream Nation, Goo, and Dirty era, but with only Kim Gordon singing?”, Horsegirl would be the answer to that question.
In-store play of this album at the GBUFO not only impressed me, but many of the customers who shop there, and has led to numerous purchases of it.
This album definitely has a sound of its own — besides reminding me of Sonic Youth — and that goes perfectly with the droney, dreamy sound of this album.
To me, this album is very peaceful and very relaxing.
It easily lends itself to being the soundtrack of an enjoyable day.
Examining the liner notes while writing this review, I notice Horsegirl gives special thanks to Steve Shelley and Lee Ranaldo (both of Sonic Youth) for performing on this album, which I had no idea about.
My favorite songs are “The Fall of Horsegirl”, “The Guitar is Dead 3”, “Dirtbag Transformation (Still Dirty)”, and “World of Pots and Pans”.
Horsegirl is comprised of Nora Cheng, Penelope Lowenstein, and Gigi Reece.
Since they are from Chicago, let’s all hope they make it to Green Bay sometime.
He was a sweet, ferocious cat who liked to sit on my lap while I was writing reviews for City Pages.
He was a very tender cat who will be greatly missed.