U

U.S. Maple
Talker
1999

U.S. Maple would swear they're not 'deconstructionists'. In a way, I agree. They may have performed an implosion of the arena of Rock, but they used the rubble to construct the perfect stadium on top. This album was produced by Mike Gira of Swans fame after two albums helmed by Jim O'rourke of fame fame. This is a system rattling record, disparate ill-fitting pieces smashed together, seemingly at random, into a tight, cohesive whole. The first track, "Bumps and Guys" starts small, builds to this climax where you expect the band to just fucking EXPLODE. Instead, a wheezy, a fumble, a total letdown. Does it sound random? In a way. But its not. I've seen these guys perform "Talker" live, in its entirety; while I love extrapolation/interpretation at my rock shows, they kept so close to the vest that the songs sounded EXACTLY the same as on record. This is no glorious mess. It is simply glorious. Reunite ol' fellers: you are my Zeppelin.

an acre of thrills:
Bumps and Guys, Go To Bruises, Its Your High School