Whoever coined this in referring to the obliquely astounding June of 44 should get some kind of credit, just because it stuck so well. I had to write something hopefully short and concise about this band as I am continually saddened by their lack of exposure on MOG. After seeing nothing on their mog page for one time too many, I was forced into action.
Comprised of former members of Codeine, Hoover, Lungfish, Rex, and Rodan, the band is something of a super-group led by guitarist Jeff Mueller's snaky and dub sounding sinews. Of course, the drummer Doug Scharin has unblievable control, just listen to 1999s Anahata to really appreciate what he is capable of. Regionally and sonically they were very much a part of the Slint landscape of Chicago and Louisville. By the look of the song titles and Mueller's alternately shouted/howled and softly spoken words, there is a definite fascination with all things nautical. Did you ever see that movie based on Philip K. Dick's A Scanner Darkly ? There is a poster for the band in Keanu Reeves living room, I think Richard Linklater knows all about how good these albums sound. The band released their first album, Engine Takes To The Water which was recorded after a short initial practice of 3 1/2 weeks by the band for the first time. It showcased the bands song writing talent, revealing a great tendency for loud / quiet and slow / fast dynamics. The following albums all have intense moments of highlights, too many to fully mention in this short and humble introduction, but basically, there is something to be found in each of their records. Personally I am very attached to 1998s Four Great Points and 1997s The Anatomy of Sharks, both released on Quarterstick Records. The band called it a day in 2000 and Shipping News and Rachel's were formed by the exiting members.
Here is a post to get you started, bon voyage, and don't stay out on unchartered water late at night.
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I dig it.
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A friend of mine has been trying to get into June of 44 for a while now. I like what I have heard, I just have never gotten around to seriously checking them out. Thanks for the reminder and great tribute to the band.
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thanks chucky and marigold. that song in the post is a bit long winded so cheers if you were able to hang in there for the duration. if you are interested in getting to know them better i would suggest four great points LP for the more varied june of 44 selection, anahata for the more melodic, poppy and less yelling, more singing type stuff from mueller, especially if yelled and screamed vocals are not your thing, then anahata might be a better place to start. their older stuff, Engine Takes To The Water and Tropics & Meridians has alot more noise, lots of distortion and a more hardcore flavor to the songs. hopefully this will help warm the waters alittle bit.
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great title i concur.
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Thanks for this, great stuff. I'm a big fan of Slint and Rodan, but not familiar with the other stuff. I definitely hear the Slint sound here.
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yes, very much a continuation of the late-great Rodan
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I know quite a few people who need to know about these guys! Way to represent!
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A brilliant phrase indeed; June of 44 were absolutely an 'astounding' musical talent. Well done!
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glad you all are interested in this! if i knew my weight in html, i would post some songs in the comments, but i don't know how to do that. but if i did, i would...
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You can get your mog page opened and load up a song like you're going to create a post. Then just cut and copy the mp3 code it creates into a comment. That's how I do it anyway, there may be a _better_ way for all I know.
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ooooooooooh, tricky! well, its really simple that way. i feel like the slightly slow mogger. thanks for helping me out sunshineDay
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Yay...Clapping. It takes some getting used to around here.
That track really sneaks in on you and was kind of a tease at some points I thought they were just gonna break loose, but it was definitely nice and postively cool lyrics... "_from carnations to dead birds"_. Nice addition!