Song(s) of the Day # 2,710 Helvetia

 

Pop music for people who don't like pop music that conforms to the rules. Or plays or sings in tune. The kind of people who love Kurt and Beck and J. Mascis and those guys. The cool set of Slacker demigods.

Helvetia hail from Seattle and that's slightly apt as this deadbeat, downcast and slightly aimless mode of delivery hails from there as much as anywhere. Sebadoh, Lemonheads, East River Pipe and Built to Spill, (who they've toured with) spring to mind too on their latest album Essential Aliens.

This bunch have been around for the best part of fifteen years now so I'm not sure how this stacks up against previous records. It stacks up fine on its own terms though. One slightly incoherent anthem after another to underachievement and its rich pleasures.

It's a record that takes you back to its sources. Think I may need to give It's a Shame About Ray and Nevermind a play a bit later in the day. At the minute though Essential Aliens is . Doesnon't sound shabby by comparison by any means either.