Search - Soul-Junk :: 1952

Development of the Junkian Sound

G. Cornelius | Nashville, TN | 12/02/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For the majority of GenX-ers,who have been spoon- fed the slick, studioized, rehashes of eighties underground music via the "alternative" scene of the last ten years, experimental stuff such as Soul Junk will no doubt sound like a horrific mess. Indeed, for anyone weened on commercial radio's output, an album like 1952 will at first seem like a bad joke. And that's not a knock. 1952 is a daunting and at times, harsh, ride. From the constant caterwaul of Glen Galaxy's voice, to the Captain Beefheart sense of melody and chaos, to the haphazard, lo-fi buzz that seems to permeate every track, this is not for the faint of heart or those merely looking for a quick fix. But buried under a dome of confrontational noise, is some of indie-music's finest moments. The moog blips and other assorted weirdness would grow old with anyone else, but Mr. Galaxy and Co. have a suprisingly sophisticated and unique sense of melody as is evidenced throughout but especially in the serene closer, "Zion!". A worthy addition to your indie collection. 3 3/4 stars - But NOT to be missed is the follow-up 1953/1954 (both on one CD) 1953/1954 is an all-around more mature effort and my vote for one of the best releases of the past decade, in any genre- Period."