JESUS LIZARD "GOAT"
TOUCH AND GO, 1991
1 "Then Comes Dudley" – 4:23
2 "Mouth Breather" – 2:17
3 "Nub" – 2:30
4 "Seasick" – 3:11
5"Monkey Trick" – 4:19
6 " Karpis" – 3:10
7 "South Mouth" – 3:03
8 "Lady Shoes" – 2:42
9 "Rodeo In Joliet" – 4:49
Trying to choose between Head, Liar, and Goat is like choosing between three beautiful children. In the end, Goat wins, because it doesn't have any stinker songs (I prefer Liar's production the best, but it has a couple songs I'm not as fond of; I like Head's songs the best, but the production is a bit too dirty, and again there are a few songs that aren't as memorable). Goat is the definitive statement from the Jesus Lizard and easily one of the best albums ever made. It's sadly overlooked, obviously not by us but by everyone else -- it should've been a hit! The band was innovative, complex, and intelligent, featuring a classically-trained guitarist playing creepy arpeggios; the exciting, irregular bassist and drummer locked in tight grooves; and david yow's manic vocals. An interesting thing about about vocalists who usually try to sound "crazy": it usually fucking sucks. It sounds forced or annoying. Somehow, Yow's ridiculous delivery fits the music perfectly -- never has a microphone forced down someone's throat sounded so fucking beautiful. This album is infinitely special, one of the great albums you can listen to from beginning to end and not ever get bored or sick of it. The bassline in "Monkey Trick" is perfect, as is any appearance of slide guitar on the album (only a couple songs, but still). My favorite track has to be "South Mouth" which features awesome surfy tremolo guitar parts. Excellent. The production is also top-notch, sounding like the band is playing in your room and drinking all your beer. Just a perfect album.
Also:
"Its cover art, by Canadian-born photographer James Crump (who at the time was living in the basement of producer Steve Albini's home), first glance resembles a flame, but is actually a topless woman with a close-up image of nails projected onto her body. The rear of the album, and several panels of the enclosed CD booklet include similar pictures of the same naked woman, with different images projected onto her body."