I have a problem. When people start wetting their pants about a band or song, I tend to shy away from said artist. Call it elitism or whatever but I like finding stuff on my own, not from some know-it-all blogger (I know this may sound hypocritical, haha). This was the case with Jay Reatard. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of his previous band The Reatards. There was something about his solo album Blood Visions that I just didn’t get. Maybe I was just having a bad day but the album just sounded like a watered-down version of The Adverts. I got more and more peeved when everyone and their mother was saying it was the best thing since sliced bread or, uh, No Age.  

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I don’t really know what made me want to pick up his new singles collection, Singles 06-07, out now via Matador/In The Red. Eventually, I just figured I should give it a try. People were saying I was crazy for not liking his solo stuff. Even if you don’t enjoy a particular album for an artist you like, you’re going to give the other stuff a try, mixed results and all (See: Alkaline Trio, American Steel, Weezer). 

Yes, it sounds like the Adverts. But the Reatards-esque screech I was looking for on his last solo album is present with these songs. Songs like “All Over Again,” “In The Dark,” “I Know A Place” and “It’s So Useless” are some serious jams. I think I get it now. I understand the frenzy for his 7-inches. It makes sense after hearing these songs. It’s really freaking great. 

So Jay, I apologize for hating on your last record. Rock over London, rock on Chicago.

Tags: Album Spotlight, Jay Reatard //