The Fabulous Sounds Of The Pacific Northwest
Omnivore, 2024
10/10
Listen to The Fabulous Sounds Of The Pacific Northwest
The debut album from one of alt-rock’s earliest bands, Seattle’s Young Fresh Fellows see the reissue treatment, where this 40th Anniversary Edition brings us a bonus disc of 14 rare tracks.
“Rock’n’Roll Pest Control” starts the listen wtih bouncy guitars and crisp drumming for the energetic and scrappy delivery, and it isn’t long until “Think Better Of Me” follows with harmonic singing that comes with plenty of soaring punk energy.
Further into the original album, “Big House” carries a slight jangle amid the raw climate, while “Teenage Dogs In Trouble” emits swirling guitars solo alongside the smooth vocals. “The Young Fresh Fellows Theme” exits, and it’s a playful and retro moment with soulful backing vocals.
Disc 2 starts with “Down By The Pharmacy (Xmas Version)”, where well timed keys add much to the dynamic rhythm section, though it’s the meticulous guitar work and emotive singing of “Sharing Patrol” that really makes this portion worth a peek. “Merry Croutons Mr. Gulp Gulp” exits the listen with a charming and novel holiday tune that’s prefaced by nods to The Replacements.
The band are still going strong today with current members Scott McCaughey, Jim Sangster, Kurt Bloch, and newcomer John Perrin, and this peek at their early work makes it easy to understand why they’ve influenced legions of other musicians and have easily achieved legendary status.
Travels well with: Hoodoo Gurus- Chariot Of The Gods; The Baseball Project- Grand Salami Time!