Thermals : Fuckin’ A

The Thermals’ sophomore Album Fuckin’ A sounds more literate, polished, perhaps even less like the product of a garage band than their first album. This album holds strong to their tradition of songs short in running time (all songs are three minutes or shorter). But, somehow it sounds less raw, less spontaneous and more like a proper studio album than More Parts Per Million.

Songs like “How We Know,” “Remember Today,” “A Stare Like Yours,” “Forward” and “God and Country,” are some of the standouts, but the album as a whole is great. However, if you have never heard The Thermals before, it would be a good idea to listen to their first album, More Parts Per Million first. Both are great albums, but Millions is a more raw, less overproduced sounding album.

Once you’ve heard Millions, then discover the new Fuckin’ A. It’s easier to appreciate the genealogy of their discography better. If you’re a first time listener, you will most likely find a few songs that will pop out at you and grab a hold of your curiosity. And if you let them, The Thermals will pull you in further. Whatever order you listen to the albums, however, you should make your own decision as to which Thermals album you like better.

There is plenty to like on Fuckin’ A: razor sharp guitars, strong vocals and the sometimes hopeful, wispy, poetic lyrics: “Anything you can break you can probably mend/Anything you can feel you can feel again…hold tight/ remember today.”

But, most of all, I love how intense Hugh Harris’ voice is. Harris draws you in with his passionate lyrics and raucous music that accompanies them. In turn, this makes the whole persona of the band all the more intimate to the listener, while still being able to belt out intense rock anthems with the best of any rock bands today.

Similar albums:
Guided by Voices – Alien Lanes
Superchunk – No Pocky For Kitty
Buzzcocks – Singles Going Steady