Shonen Knife, “712” (Oglio, 2005; original release 1988)
This album finds them at midpoint between the magical early primitive indie-noise-pop stuff and the higher-gloos ‘90s alterna-Ramones blasters to come. As a transitional effort, it’s a bit of a grab bag, but there are some all-time Knife classics here.
Try 2, 15
11/10/16
Shonen Knife, “Happy Hour” (Big Deal, 1998)
The last great Shonen Knife record. With the Alternative Era and their Major-Label Contract fading into the distance, they rock like never before, with their brilliant, curiously graceful pop-sense burning bright again, but powered by a new bite and precision.
Try 7, 11, 12, 14
10/13/11
Shonen Knife, “Let’s Knife” (Virgin, 1992)
This documents this beloved group at the height of their confidence and power, re-recording some of the greatest songs they wrote in their d.i.y. days of the mid-‘80s. The loss of a certain naïve, arresting singularity in the originals is compensated by a brightness and force that makes these versions kick like the Buzzcocks/Ramones bubblepunk nuggets that (partially) inspired them.
Try 1, 7, 11, 13, 14
8/23/12