Latimer...

Latimer was a Philadelphia based rock/alternative band during the mid-nineties that to say was overlooked and underappreciated would be a bit of an understatement. Obviously coming out with their debut record LP Title in 1995 they were pitted against a plethora of other alternative acts during the same time looking to make their mark through the airwaves and probably more so on MTV. Regardless, Latimer never really made much of a mark with the EP and two albums they released on Gang of Four member Dave Allen’s label World Domination, which is too bad because they had an absolutely fantastic trashy indie-rock sound.

Their first album LP Title is the only album that would feature a complete two guitar attack, which makes it a lot of fun to listen to. The way the two of them worked around each other to create such a whirlwind of sound is fairly impressive. Unfortunately, guitarist Rich Fravel would exit the band after that album leaving the rest of the members Dylan Cotton (bass/vocals), Geoff Doring (guitar/vocals), and Rob Sherman (drums) as pretty much a trio for their second and final album Live from Sour City released in 1997. I say pretty much, since Mac Merritt contributed additional guitars on four tracks for the second album. However, throughout it’s apparent that the second guitar is greatly missed and Live from Sour City doesn’t necessarily hold up as well to their debut. It sort of reverts back to a more straight ahead modern rock approach with a few twists and turns still worked in here and there. Just overall not as strong as I imagine they could have been if they’d still had a full-time second guitarist. Despite all of that though, their second album is still worth listening to.

LP Title:
Latimer – Kiss 120 [MP3]
Latimer – Hold Down [MP3]

Live From Sour City:
Latimer – Competition No. 4 [MP3]

As usual with these sorts of things, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You can currently find both of Latimer’s albums on Amazon for no more than a penny. A penny folks, and of course some shipping. I’d say that’s definitely worth it for at least LP Title…and even Sour City too but I won’t push you. Pick these up if you dig the tunes.