via//chicago's 200 of the 2000s:
#175
Andrew W.K. - I Get Wet (2001, Island)
















There's a good reason why this particular album sounds just as fantastic here in the summer of 2010 as it did when it originally appeared in the Fall of 2001, because it is one of those truly timeless records. This isn't because it is one of those perfect albums that will stand the test of time or something, rather I Get Wet is timeless because it has never felt of a piece with everything going on around it. Sure, back in 2001, we were inundated with the whole "garage rock revival" with The Strokes and The White Stripes and although this really was pure rock, it couldn't have felt further removed from the times. Between the overwhelming Mutt Lange on eleven, wall of sound production and the huge glam metal riffs anchored by synths and piano, this was never going to be mistaken for some serious statement. As it shouldn't. This is pure, unadulterated, exuberant joy in one thirty-five minute package. If I were to ever encounter someone who wasn't fist-pumping along with "I Love NYC" or "Fun Night" or "Girls Own Love", I would seriously question the existence of said person's soul.

Evaluating the Teargarden Part 5: Freak

And we roll on, ever so slowly, into the second EP now...

EP #2, Track #1: "Freak"
Well this one certainly gets off to a blistering start with one of the best riffs I've heard from the Pumpkins in years. I mean, really, this riff absolutely kills and that awesome guitar tone certainly helps. This bodes well for the second EP, especially given the diminishing returns of the first one. The vocal melody piggy-backs off that heavy riff before spinning off on its own and we're treated to angry Billy, at least lyrically. While he seems to have lost that clenched teeth growl that made gave life to some of the more impassioned songs from his youth, the lyrics reveal Corgan lashing out at that oft-unnamed "they" that "poison our sweet mother earth" and "march to the beat of killing machines". It comes across a little like that high school junior kid who knows he's angry, but can't exactly clarify who or what it is. Still, the repeated line that makes up the chorus salvages things slightly even with the awkward working. "Life is not a dream when you can't wake up from the dream you wanted" is quintessential Corgan - mostly nonsensical, but downright poetic the way he delivers it. The chorus is definitely catchy, turning this into the type of alt-rock anthem that was his bread and butter in the '93-'96 era. It isn't perfect, I would have loved to hear him tear off a chaotic solo at some point, but I'll certainly take it as a nostalgic throwback. This second EP is off to a tremendous starts.

Rating: 8.2/10.0