Search - Rubinoos :: Basement Tapes

Long-lost demos for terrific unreleased third album

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 08/06/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Rubinoos first "Odds 'n' Sods" volume (complemented by the follow-up "Garage Sale" release) collects studio demos from 1980-81 for a never-to-be-released third album. With bassist and vocalist Al Chan replacing original member Royse Ader, the Rubes sound as crisp and exuberant as ever. Tommy Dunbar's songs (he wrote or co-wrote all except "It's a Shame") are insanely hummable, with infectious melodies and sing-along harmonies; this is easily as good a collection of originals as those found on the band's first two albums.Jon Rubin's vocals soar as beautifully as ever, and he yields the spotlight now and again for effective leads by Tommy and Al. Though these are only demos, the harmonies are intricate and sharply sung. The finish of the recordings adds a slight rawness that actually plays well against the polished playing and singing.There have been two U.S. issues of this album. The original thirteen-track edition on the One Way label includes terrific song-by-song notes by the band. The Not Lame reissue (entitled "The Basement Tapes... Plus") drops the song-by-song liners, but adds three more original demos ("Handle With Care" "It's Magic" and "Too Up to Feel Down"). One or the other is a must-have for any power-pop fan, and an essential missing link in the Rubes canon."