"Much like their music, Jawbox's career was marked by peaks and valleys: mild line-up shifts; the loss of fans after their 1994 jump from Dischord to Atlantic Records; personal sweetness and light; and jarring post-punk experimentation. The latter two items are most evident on this posthumous collection, and, as the band never fully proved to their harshest critics, these simplest elements are ultimately all that matters. Beginning with a five-song 1994 Peel Session, "Scrapbook" embarks on a journey through unreleased tracks ("Apollo Amateur," "Under Glass"), live performances, rare singles and cover versions (of Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin" and Tar's "Static," among others). All of the band's phases are represented here, as well: the early "trio" era before guitarist Bill Barbot climbed onboard; the angular harmony/discord state of the, well, Dischord era; and the more melodic and rhythmically complex era featuring drummer Zachary Barocas (who replaced original skinsman Adam Wade). A photo diary, as well as a written history, accompanies the track listing, providing intimate details of the sessions captured here; and a gargantuan list of all of the band's shows provides a "wish you'd been there" sense of hindsight. Tastefully packaged and compiled by Jawbox themselves (Barbot and bassist Kim Coletta also run the DeSoto label), "Scrapbook" wonderfully fits its title."
A fine eulogy for a great band
Scott Fendley | Zionsville, IN USA | 04/16/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's a shame a band of quality and distinction like Jawbox never got a fair shake from the majors, however, this is a fine document to remember them by. A great starter for those who are neophytes."
Buy this
T. Awan | 12/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A ridiculously good album. This is as good an introduction to Jawbox as you're going to find. It's got most of their really great songs, plus some live songs which are great. Another good thing is that Desoto Records (the label that was started by the band) has re-released the CD, so it shouldn't be as hard to find."
My Scrapbook of Fatal Accidents
Matt Leber | Chicago, IL USA | 12/12/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A collection of odds and ends, but not throw-aways. The album is a compilation of live material, covers, and songs otherwise not released on any of Jawbox's 4 full length albums. Most of the studio tracks are the equals of their other material (tracks 7-9 are awesome). The live material is good, but it doesn't capture the energy of their live shows. How could it? This is not a best-of album and I wouldn't recommend it to someone who is listening to Jawbox for the first time. I consider Novelty to be their best album. Next to Fugazi, I don't know of another band who has so successfully mixed punk aggression with complex and genuinely catchy tunes. If you like Jawbox, you should also check out Burning Airlines, a new band comprised of Jawbox's two principle members."