Err, Slowcore forerunners…?
STANDARD DISCLAIMER: Every post on this site is meant to be a constantly evolving diary of my musical views. Therefore, any and all posts should be considered incomplete at any given time.
Forget about early Belle and Sebastian, THIS is SAD BASTARD music. Just something about the way they hit those big notes and hold them, all at about the slowest pace you can make a rock song. Just stretch it OUT and really feel it. Maximizing minimalism, this.
ALBUMS
Frigid Stars
Release Year: 1990
My Rating: B+
Love the massive guitar sound, and the songs are great! Can't help but be reminded of Spiderland, even though this came first. It's like some strange and beautifully pathetic marriage of Slint and Black Sabbath...
HIGHLIGHTS: "D", "New Year's", "Cave-In"
The White Birch
Release Year: 1994
My Rating: A
Once again, gorgeous songs, and they reach the majestic glacial here. No other album quite like this...
HIGHLIGHTS: "Sea", "Loss Leader", "Vacancy", "Tom"
OTHER RELEASES
Barely Real EP
Release Year: 1992
My Rating: B
Nothing quite as memorable as either of their LP's (with the exception of the piano instrumental "W"), but all in all it's a solid little slab of Codeine.
HIGHLIGHTS: "Realize", "Barely Real"
When I See the Sun (rarities compilation)
Release Year: 2012
My Rating: A
Great box set! Collects all of the rarities, and adds a bunch of previously unreleased demos and otherwise lost tracks.
"This is the song that got us on Sub Pop" » and ya didn't release it until now??? It's the faster tracks like "Hydroplane" and "Skeletons" that really give an interesting glimpse into Codeine's creative evolution.
HIGHLIGHTS: "Skeletons", "Corner Store", "Hydroplane", "Broken-Hearted Wine"
What About the Lonely? (live album)
Release Year: 2013
My Rating: B+
Nice live document of a band that was too short-lived.
HIGHLIGHTS: TBD
MISCELLANEOUS / RELATED
coming eventually I suppose…