Snailboy/Shorty...

I might as well post about another noise rock band from Chicago while it’s still sitting fresh in my mind. The band Snailboy came together in 1990 and recorded two singles before changing their name to Shorty in 1991, as if that name was any better. However, as Shorty they released three more singles, a full-length, and an EP before calling it quits.

Their full-length Thumb Days was recorded by Steve Albini and released in 1993 on Gasoline Boost Records. If there is one thing this band should be remembered for, it’s Al Johnson’s vocals. Although not for everyone, to me they fit the music perfectly at times sounding like an animal dying or a squealing pig. Yeah, probably not a ringing endorsement for most, but for those that enjoy this type of music it’s almost perfect. Throw it in with music that is heavy on the distortion and a bass that hits like a hammer and you have Shorty.

Thumb Days:
Shorty – Mitzy Lodge [MP3]
Shorty – Dynamite Lover [MP3]

Spoo Heaven 7’’:
Snailboy – Kept Turd [MP3]
Snailboy – Pewie [MP3]

Al Johnson and Mark Shippy went on to be in US Maple. You can find cheap used copies of Thumb Days on Amazon. And by cheap, I mean for like fewer than 2 bucks. Also, their excellent EP Fresh Breath is still available through Skin Graft. So, if you like what you hear…be sure and pick both of those up.