Oblivians – Popular Favorites – Review

Oblivians

Popular Favorites (Crypt)
by Nik Rainey

This is a Crypt release, which says all that needs be said (but of course I’ll say more, since the REO Speedwagon box set didn’t come in on time). Their label is nothing if not consistent – simple, gut-punching, belly-flopping r ‘n’ r, stripped of all nuance and nicety like a roving gang of Chicanos on a Coupe de Ville until all that remains is a dented frame of fuzz and scuzz. The Oblivians are no different, belching out under-two-minute rotgutabilly tirades like “Guitar Shop Asshole” and (their love song) “She’s a Hole,” swagger-staggering around in pools of cheap beer and don’t-ask-what-else, coldcocking aesthetics and projectile-vomiting on art. Need I add that it’s great? What? Okay, it’s great.