Chavez – Better Days Will Haunt You
In sort of keeping in the same spirit with my Seam post I made a few days ago, I return today with another band that also holds a spot in my mind as one that helped define 90’s indie rock. Keep in mind; this is aside from the obvious choices like Built to Spill, Pavement, and etc. The band I am thinking of is Chavez, which just near the end of last year saw the release of a much anticipated three disc retrospective called Better Days Will Haunt You that compiles the bands two albums, their EP, their first single, and a few other rarities. Also included is a pretty spectacular DVD that contains the bands two videos and various footage of the group shot on tour.
Why am I writing about this now? Well, mostly because I didn’t get around to it whenever this first came out and the fact that this weekend has consisted of some pretty heavy Chavez listening. So, forgive me for this being old news to probably just about everyone who is a fan of the band. However, if there is anyone out there that hasn’t given this band a listen or missed out on them during their short three year existence, then please please please buy this compilation. For a mere $15 dollars you can own the bands entire discography, which is pretty much the best deal ever.
I owe my discovery of this great band to yet again, 120 Minutes during its glory days. Seeing the video for “Break Up Your Band” is what really got me turned on to them. The song itself would have been enough, but combined with an oddly surreal video featuring male strippers dancing for an audience of older women, it was just so insanely weird and out there that I instantly became a fan of the band.
On the outside Chavez may seem like nothing more than just another guitar driven rock band from the 90’s and we all know how many of them there were during that period of time. However, Chavez put such a creative spin on it, twisting their melodies and laying down riffs that were completely unexpected. It was more than enough to captivate the lucky listeners that got a chance and took the time to hear it. Their sound was thunderous and crushing at just the right moments. They were simply amazing.
Chavez – Wakeman’s Air [MP3]
Chavez – The Guard Attacks [MP3]
Chavez – Unreal is Here [MP3]
Yet another band that I probably couldn’t live without and to whom I owe quite a bit for helping shape my musical tastes to where they are now. So to Chavez, thank you. And to Matador for putting out this compilation, thank you as well. I urge everyone to purchase this. Check it out over at Amazon.
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