Sweet & Sour and Your Uncle's Stuffed Bear: 2013's First Few Great Albums, Part Nine

Sebadoh - Defend Yourself
The Dirtbombs - Ooey Gooey Chewey Ka-Blooey!
Terry Malts - Killing Time
Nine Inch Nails - Hesitation Marks
Moby - Innocents
Paul McCartney - New
Pearl Jam - Lightning Bolt

Arranged in order of pleasure, obviously. The new Sebadoh kicks ass, like BIG TIME. Melodies barely stand up against the crunching guitars, but they're in it to win it. This is a sad fucking album, so watch out. I've latched onto this lot for my own reasons; so go ahead and slap this guy in the face, then tear his head off with a kiss. The Replacements would sound like this if they were still around. Standout tracks include "I Will," "Oxygen," and "Can't Depend."

The Dirtbombs have a way of making old melodies fresh again - LOTS of recycling, but done in a lively Dirtbombs-soul homage. Super duper mixing makes this album a jewel on a sunny day and a welcomed sweater on a cloudy fall afternoon. Highlights include "Sugar On Top," "Girl On the Carousel," and "We Come In the Sunshine."


Terry Malts are fun, fun, fun while still retaining that Hüsker Dü melancholy. Like Bob Stinson playing with the Ramones. I think AllMusic.com said something about loving this band because of their altruist punk spirit. I would agree with that; but to only to a certain degree - I think Terry Malts are punks writing adult songs. Like Sebadoh, Terry Malts have adult emotions and deal with adult problems, and they do so through bubbly melodies that carry serrated words. Stand out tracks include "Mall Dreams," "I'm Neurotic," and "Not A Christian."

Trent Reznor makes excellent electro, acceptable Nine Inch Nails record. Still, "Everything," "Find My Way," "Satellite," and "Copy of A" have been camped out in my head for a few months. Makes sense. Reznor can be as dark as he wants, but there's no denying the inherent joy within this music.

Moby makes a darn good Moby album. Same atmosphere, some of the same samples; but a nice supporting cast, like Mark Lanegan and Wayne Coyne, make for some darn good Moby songs. Dude has more or less resigned himself to one style, apparently - 'like Moby.' But still enjoyable. Listen to "The Lonely Night," featuring Mark Lanegan, "The Perfect Life," featuring Wayne Coyne, and "Saints."

Macca is sounding his age, but the quality of this latest collection of songs is startling. The music never sounds tired, even when Paul's voice sits down because it stood up too fast. Seriously good pop/rock songs from the master himself, New is in the vein of Paul Weller's stellar Sonik Kicks. A lively, bright--but still surly--surprise.

Pearl Jam are finally getting comfortable. This Lightning Bolt deal is not exceptional, just a solid little rock-and-roll record. These boys can finally be justly labeled as 'arena rock.' These chords are meant to ring through a sea of people, the choruses to be sung by an ensemble of the faithful; and in about ten years, maybe a lyric or two will wind up in the common vernacular. Or on a t-shirt. This is an alright album. Not essential; but it clearly paints a picture of where Pearl Jam are as a band. Comfortable.