
Bettie Serveert have been around since 1986, coming up with the likes of Superchunk, Pearl Jam, and Belly, and forming the basis for bigger (but less talented) bands like Garbage. Their 2010 release, “Pharmacy of Love,” is a testament to why this band is better than all the other bands who sound like them. It’s the talent, stupid. Their songs are tight, and their musicianship is top notch. The drumming on “Love Lee,” for example, is relentlessly upbeat, while the chopping guitar and bassline come through in waves, making the heart race and the head bob and weave. And then, of course, there’s Carol van Dyk’s vocals. Van Dyk has always had solid range, but she’s not prone to acrobatics. That’s part of what made this band less “pop” than Shirley Manson’s soundalikes–van Dyke is steady and even, not selling the song on the chorus alone.
It’s amazing that the band is still on fire after all these years. The sound is a little dated, sure, because noone is making music like this any more. But if you can get your ’90s chick groove on, this album is a treasure.
Deny All video:




So
I’ve loved Mark Everett since he was The Man Called E. His sad, ironic break-ups are to relationship singer-songwriter folk what Bob Dylan’s anthems are to protest rock: Great because they are unflinching and raw, and honest. End Times,
Bethany Costentino (formerly of Pocahaunted), who plays lo fi garage punk under the name
everything I get–or at least to get through the first track. Sixty percent don’t get me to track 2. For another twenty percent, I can’t make it through the whole thing. Then there’s the remaining 2 out of 10, which get reviewed. Here’s two.
The second free EP on the menu today is from Jon Hardy and the Public. Their EP, “Sugar,” is also a free D.I.Y. And it’s terrific. I really haven’t enjoyed an EP so much in a long time.
