Misfits and Mistakes: Singles, B-Sides & Strays 2007-2023

スーパーチャンク、4枚目のシングル・コンピレーションをリリース。活動休止からの凱旋を網羅した全50曲収録の2枚組のアルバム。

『Misfits & Mistakes:Singles, B-sides & Strays 2007-2023』はSuperchunk、4枚目のシングル・コンピレーションで、活動休止からの凱旋を網羅した2枚組CDの大作だ。同作に収録されている曲の多さは驚異的だ。50曲のうち16曲は初めてフィジカル・リリースされるもので、廃盤曲、デジタル・シングル、コンピレーションなど、Superchunkのカノンを構成する重要なピースとなっている。『Misfits & Mistakes』には、Mac McCaughanによるライナー・ノーツ(Laura Ballanceによる追加のノーツも収録)もフィーチャーされるが、そこでは、The Misfits、The Cure、Destiny's Child、Bananaramaをカヴァーした理由や、バンドのカヴァー楽曲の制作過程等、また、Katie Crutchfield(Waxahatchee)、Jane Wiedlin(The Go-Go's)、Eleanor Friedberger、Damian Abraham(Fucked Up)、Norman Blake/Raymond McGinley(TeenageFanclub)といったコラボレーターとの共同作業まで、各リリースのストーリーが語られている。フルカラー28ページのブックレット付き。

When Superchunk gather up all their singles, compilation appearances, demos, and rarities in one place, its always a treasure trove of punk rock greatness worth celebrating. Joining Tossing Seeds, Incidental Music, and Cup of Sand on the shelf, Misfits and Mistakes: Singles, B-sides & Strays 2007-2023 is another testament to the power and passion that the band injects into every song, whether its a classic single or a goofy cover. This set collects music from the period after they more or less vanished from the scene, then came bursting back with a series of singles and albums that restored them to their rightful place atop the indie rock throne. It runs in chronological order, starting off with the Leaves in the Gutter EP and ending with songs recorded but not used for the lovely Wild Loneliness album. In between these, the band show off their chops on a wide range of covers that span a snappy punk rock take on Destinys Childs "Say My Name," a loose run through the Cures "In Between Days," several lovingly assayed Misfits songs, and a rollicking, heartful version of John Cales "Childs Christmas in Wales." Each one features the band playing their hearts out and Mac McCaughans vocals prove up to the task -- even on the Klaus Nomi song "Total Eclipse" -- turning each song into a desperate plea from a tattered but true soul. As much fun as these tracks are, the heart of the album is the raft of singles like "Me You & Jackie Mittoo," "Learned to Surf," "Break the Glass," and "Endless Summer" that are certainly equal to any of their early classics while also displaying all the things (unfiltered honesty, guitars jagged enough the break skin, songs with unobvious hooks) that make indie rock so meaningful to so many people. Added to these are a handful of acoustic versions of the singles where the band prove they dont need volume to make a deep and lasting impression. Check out their sparse versions of "What a Time to Be Alive" or "Erasure" for a 200-level class on how to break a punk rock heart with no amps. The two unreleased songs here -- “Everything Hurts" and “Making a Break” -- also dial down the wattage with no reduction of emotion. From their humble beginnings as young punks to their lofty position as indie rock torchbearers, Superchunk have always strengthened their reputation with music that ranks with the most powerful and important ever made, able to move, inspire, and impress no matter the sound or subject. This collection reinforces that notion, and proves that in their second act, the band remain at the very top of their game. ~ Tim Sendra