Description
2020, 2×12″ compilation LP, Captured Tracks.
Includes an 80+ page booklet and 2 printed eurosleeves inside an oversized, widespine jacket
“Strum & Thrum: The American Jangle Underground 1983 – 1987 is the first volume of Captured Tracks’ new venture into compilations – Excavations. Spread across two LPs, Strum & Thrum includes an 80+ page booklet with an extensive oral history of the ‘80s indie scene, an introduction by Captured Tracks label head Mike Sniper, and tons of archival images and ephemera.”
In many ways, Strum & Thrum is the antithesis to most rarity compilations. Whereas the majority go for the ‘unearthing of cool’ approach, the Capture Tracks label has opted to collate a huge play list of tunes that really aren’t that cool at all. It does, however, reflect the roots and influences of the imprint’s roster artists, and a specific time and scene in the history of American indie rock that is often overlooked. Namely one that ignored much of the unkempt and raw energy that was pervading guitar music’s underground at the moment. It’s also a far cry from the stadium-cramming, permed hair of the heavy rock and formative metal scene, too. Instead, we have a long list of relatively obscure and half-remembered bands that took inspiration from the past. And by that we mean much 1960s and early-1970s classic rock, a distinctly blues-free, anti-punk sound that’s going to please many, while failing to register with the others. – Juno
