6
by OrthodoxEaster
The Uzi EP, but just barely. Kind of a perfect record. Shit-hot drummer, weird sound effects, actually decent '80s-rock lead-guitar playing. Really noisy, kinda goth in spots, but garagey enough to kick ass w/Thalia's post-Patti Smith poetry, throaty singing, and very solid rhythm guitar. The end of "Criminal Child" sounds like a post-punk band combusting. I've also got a live tape w/a ton of nonstudio songs that are just amazing. I would love for someone to press it on vinyl, despite the fidelity.
Live Skull is a close second. But I (and apparently, Thalia) liked 'em better when Marnie was out front—the slightly doomier, heavier, more repetitive, but ironically less rocking approach of the early records. Still, there are some real gems on both the TZ-fronted LPs and EP. "Safe From Me," "5D," and "Step" are perfect songs of their era. I also really like some of the stuff the band was doing w/her at its tail end, like "Tripower" and "Someone Else's Sweat." Shame they stopped before recording another album.
Come is a very strong and close third. I didn't get them when I first heard them (and wanted Live Skull II), but I was a teenage dipshit. Those first two albums are great. Really wonderful warping of the Stones at their most downer. And totally inspiring b/c our girl got clean but also began writing more "mature" songs that did not suck.
I like a lot of Thalia's solo work, as well. It's often mellower, sure. But zero compromises. Have seen some incredible gigs w/just her and a guitar. The voice and her playing (those weirdly Moorish chords) are instantly recognizable.
I'm not sure this counts, but an honorary mention to the two-song catalog of Needlenose, which was a one-off thing consisting of Live Skull but minus (I think?) Mark C. Appears on an obscure comp w/liner notes by Albini. One flailing, brutal number and a blues cover. Fun.
Um, can you tell I'm a fan?