#194
Silkworm - Lifestyle (Touch & Go, 2000)
Even if it weren't for the tragic loss of Michael Dahlquist in 2005, Silkworm would still be one of the more unjustly forgotten bands of the indie rock era. These Midwestern rockers deserved just as much success and recognition as bands like Pavement and Guided by Voices were getting, if not more. Their carefully crafted combination of the 1970s classic and 1990s indie strains of rock music combined the best of each, melding into a lumbering, formidable beast all their own. Ask five different Silkworm fans for their favorite album and you'll probably get five different answers, but as far as I'm concerned it was never better than this. The album is jam-packed with meandering guitar work, some of the most exciting drumming indie rock ever gave us, and explosive guitar solos that mine the territory of Crazy Horse and Dinosaur Jr. But what really makes this album stand out is that the thrilling instrumental work is topped off with really engaging lyrics that can be equal parts clever, knowing, or just plain lovely. Check out this section from the wonderful "Roots":
There's a Puerto Rican in this bar, she's thinking about San Juan
If I could, you know, I'd wave a wand and send her home
But first, you know, I'd send myself back where the river flows
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