The self-titled Evergreen release (originally on Hi-Ball records, later reissued by Temporary Residence) is a monster boogie punk/rock record. “Klark Kent” is an all-time great tune. I don’t even mind that the band was recorded by DFA’s James Murphy, who as a musician couldn’t write a half-decent song to save his life. They sounded raw, loud, and possibly intoxicated. The lineup of that incarnation of Evergreen included Slint’s Britt Walford on drums, and Sean McLoughlin on vocals.
Louisville label Noise Pollution has just released a CD of Evergreen’s early material — the earliest of which dates back long before Walford or McLoughlin joined the group. The lineup on this album includes Dave Pollard on vocals, Tim Ruth on guitar, Try Cox on bass and Matt Tucker on drums. The first thirteen tracks were originally released by the Self Destruct label. Tracks 1-5 appeared on the band’s original 7″ single (self-titled). Tracks 6-13 are the elusive Go Cart Ride cassette, which was limited to 300 copies when Self Destruct released it in 1993. You might remember I posted it as part of Treasures From The Collector’s Slum last year. Tracks 14-17 were recorded by Sean McLoughlin and were originally included as part of the Cinderblock demo tape. Tracks 18-21 were recorded live at Louisville’s legendary Zodiac Club in 1991.
In my epic travel book about underground rock in America — which will actually be published soon, mark my words — Will Chatham of Crain spoke about the height of the Zodiac Club’s popularity as his favorite time in Louisville. Chatham said, “Something about that place seemed really important. I think it was a time in the Louisville music scene when things really came to a head. There was a wide variety of bands that came through, and the kids that attended the shows were all there for the music. It just seemed really positive, and without expectations or bullshit. Also the fact that we all watched the U.S. go to war one night on TV there (1991) probably helps give me a stronger memory.”
For the most part, this collection of tunes captures a distinct and different era in the existence of Evergreen than the one I first fell in love with. I’m happy to have a quality recording Go Cart Ride in my possession, but I will always hold a place in my heart for Sean “bong rips between lines of songs” McLoughlin’s vocal swagger and the downright funky punk rock those guys played.
Wholeness Of The Soul is available now courtesy of Noise Pollution.
– Empty Sun
– Wholeness Of The Soul
– Feed
– Stripped
