Search - The Outnumbered :: Surveying the Damage

Dark and lovely

V. Berrini | NJ, United States | 07/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD samples the work of Jon Ginoli's pre-Pansy Division band the Outnumbered who made three fine independent pop albums (two on Homestead)in the mid '80s. For those familar with Jon's work in his infamous openly gay pop-punk band, this disc will be a fascinating and enjoyable look at his early days.Musical reference points for the Outnumbered would include the Bongos, Husker Du and early R.E.M. The songs are simple and direct, both musically and lyrically. Their earlier work was bright, realistic and vaguely hopeful, like the beautiful and disarming "Sit With Me In The Dark". Elsewhere, the amusing country-rock of "You Need A Babysitter" and jangle-pop confections like Paul Bundin's "Inspiration" and Ginoli's "I Feel So Sorry Now" abound. Later tracks unleash a storm of angst, frustration (sexual and otherwise) and sadness, as in the Smithereens-like "Boy On A Roof", the feminist parable "Passive Voice", and in probably the Outnumbered's best song, the devastatingly vicious character sketch "Wasted Time".The Outnumbered's music is very comparable to the straighter (ahem), more serious side of Pansy Division songs like "Boyfriend Wanted", "Don't Be So Sure" and much of Absurd Pop Song Romance. In fact, the PD songs "Not Enough Of You To Go Around" and "I Really Wanted You" were first recorded as Outnumbered songs on their second and third albums, though sadly, neither are included here. Still, what is here is pretty damn great.Well worth it for hardcore Pansy Division fans and fans of '80s indie-guitar-pop."