Customer Reviews

Black Vinyl Shoes

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I first discovered this album it stood out like a sore thumb in my CD collection. Sure, I had most of the Cheap Trick CD's, some Badfinger and Big Star stuff, and actually even had Shoes "Best of" CD. However, only one cut from this album was represented on the Best of, and their later albums featured fuller production techniques. This is not the first Shoes album, they actually released one called Un Dans Versailles in 1975 and crafted an unreleased record called Bazooka in 1976 (collected on the compilation As Is). These early recordings give credit to Shoes being among the first indie pop pioneers. Black Vinyl Shoes is stunning because at that time (and pretty much to this day), NOBODY sounded like this record. They recorded everything on a 4 track, kept the cover art simple, and released the record through their own label. It was a D.I.Y. production that preceded (and gave hope to) pretty much every indie pop band. With their lo-fi fuzz sound washing over sweet melodies, and soft vocals, on paper they sound like an early version of Jesus and Mary Chain or Dream Syndicate, but in fact were nothing like either band. They were pop traditionalists, they just couldn't AFFORD to make their guitars sparkle like the Byrds or Big Star could. The sound is beautiful in it's own right, and some of the songs are instant classics. Even if it's not the most consistent Shoes CD, it is a must have due to its often underestimated (and uncredited) influence on the D.I.Y. pop crowd.

Best Tracks:
"Boys Don't Lie" - 2 minutes of sublime fuzz pop. Structured like a basic pop punk song, but sounds like nothing else.
"Do You Wanna Get Lucky" - Sloppy drums, screeching atonal solo, but still just a pretty, catchy song. Sounds like a Revolver-era Beatles song done by a garage band rather than experienced pros.
"Tragedy" - Some of the best vocals on the CD, even if you can't understand a word. Great song.
"Capital Gain" - Weird twists and quirky lyrics show that this band had more than met the eye.
"Okay" - My #1 track here. Bouncy, simple, and textbook power pop. Early Beatles given the lo-fi treatment 15 years before bands like Apples In Stereo.
"Fire For Awhile" - When Shoes slow it down, it is stunning. The harmonies pave the way for their later records with denser vocals, and the guitars chime with a drowsy sadness. Beautiful.

Browsing through and finding that this underground classic is represented by only one, one-star review, I felt that I had to weigh in.

I think this album is amazing. Buzzing, surprising guitar hooks, supersweet falsetto vocals, early Ramones bounce (really!). Recorded in a living room. This album really puts a smile on your face.

Everybody is welcome to their opinion, and if you simply don't like power-pop, then you probably won't like this. But if you enjoy such bands as, say, Big Star, this will be a treat!

I still remember the first time I heard this record. It was years ago (at least 23), and was my first day working at a small, local, used record store. The 2 guys who worked there regarded me with caution and a smirk. They were too cool for the rest of the world, and of course, knew more about what was "good music" than anyone within 100 miles. So I too, was tested: Afterall, what could this converse wearing blondie possibly know about music? I chose two records to play that day (at my register shift). The first was 20/20 and this Shoes record. While 20/20 was always a favorite, it was my first time to hear Black Vinyl Shoes. I knew who they were (from their greatest/Tomorrow Night/Too Late etc.), but had never heard this record. Choosing this record accomplished two things that day: It became one of my all time favorite power pop records (I loved every minute of it) and it solidified my "cool" factor with the snotty record store boys...immediately. (Like I cared, hmf!)

I have always been attracted to the Shoes twangy, fuzzy pop melodies, and their similar sound to Big Star and the Byrds in some cases. Bottom-line, if you are a power pop fan, this should be in your collection along with:
Cheap Trick
Big Star
20/20
Sloan
Paul Collin's Beat
Hoodoo Gurus
etc.

I was thrilled when this was finally released on CD a few years back and wouldn't part with it. As for the one star reviewer: Power Pop is obviously not your cup 'o tea, so go taint somewhere else, please. Go buy some new shoes or something.

Long live the blonde in converse who loves the SHOES!

Though they'd recorded a few earlier self-distributed releases, and would go on to record for Elektra, this album is ground zero for understanding and enjoying the band's unique take on DIY power-pop. An initial single on Bomp had its renown magnified when this self-distributed album was picked up by PVC, giving those outside of their home base of Zion, IL a fuller look at their 4-track brilliance.

There's a crowded sound to this buzzing and chiming pop - not unlike the Raspberries early LPs. But unlike the Raspberries, there's a fuzzier edge to their melodic guitar hooks, and a dispassion in the vocals that isn't as AM radio-friendly. At times the lack of passion can seem fey (the Bomp single of "Okay" trumps the album take, for example). Their later LPs for Elektra would give the music more breathing room, but it's the claustrophobic living-room vibe that gives this LP its distinction.

Nominally recorded as a demo, this set has become the defining document of this great indie pop band. Overlooked by many of the band's Elektra-era fans, it seems to go in and out of print on the band's own Black Vinyl label. Pick one up when you can! [©2005 hyperbolium dot com]

I don't know about everyone else, but my copy of Black Vinyl Shoes is on a good old blue surface CDR! The label has opted for this cheap route with current releases of the disc, so just be warned if you intend to purchase...

The Shoes would never exceed the promise of their debut record, a bounty of power pop songs abetted by unapologetic guitars. Some found that the production was too heavy, and wallowed in the intricate instrumentations. On the other hand, this contains outstanding versions of some of their most memorable material, recorded more convincingly than on their latest major label release. It's nearly impossible to find copies of the original vinyl anymore, but you're well advised to acquire the mp3s - which capture nearly all of the original recordings. One of the better moments for the genre of power pop.

I don't know how these guys' later releases are,but I bought this on rave-up reviews about the band from the net. If you like listening to throw-away cuts of early 60's era Who songs-then you might enjoy this. Otherwise-avoid like the plague!! Buy at you're own peril.(if you enjoy 'pop'-get SUGARBOMB-'Bully')