2012.09.19 Obits - I Blame You

Color: Black

Released: 2009, March 24

Label: Sub Pop

Ok, I had to make sure I hadn’t already done this one. I loved (love - present tense?) Drive Like Jehu and then Hot Snakes, so naturally I would be curious about Obits, yes? Rock Froberg (and his raspy voice, that qualifies as one of the best in rock and roll)was probably my favorite things about those two previous bands. So I came in with a lot of pre-conceived notions about what this would be like. At first, I think I was let down. But I kept listening and I’m glad I did because eventually I was rewarded. Obits slows things down a bit compared to Jehu and Snakes and Froberg actually sings. I wasn’t sure what to think at first. Ultimately the band defy expectations and produce something kind of new and fresh, while obviously born out of any previous legacies. They also count a member of the excellent Edsel as one of their crew. This is an adjustment for sure, but a pleasantly surprising one that even gives a nod to rock music of old. I’m also a huge fan of the artwork provided for the record by none other than Mr. Froberg. It’s sort of this sinister take on the kind of advertising you would find in old comic books and pulp magazines. His type choices are nothing complex but he makes it work perfectly and they evoke the perfect feel. The real stunner though is all of his excellent illustration work. The front cover is a bit ambiguous, but the work on the insert is amazing. There’s a separate illustration for each track. Beautiful stuff.