Excellent Italian Greyhound

Shellac | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 5, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Touch & Go Records
• ASIN: B000PA9PTM
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #168,156 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Shellac consists of Steve Albini on guitar, Todd Trainer on drums, and Bob Weston on bass. This is their fourth and longest release and all the songs are about Italy or greyhounds. Both the CD and LP come packaged in a beautiful full-color gatefold sleeve. The LP also includes an OBI or slipcover that was drawn and hand-silk screened by Jay Ryan. The CD has a non-hand-screened OBI.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 7 years!, June 5, 2007

By 

M. Beebe (Somerville, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Excellent Italian Greyhound (Audio CD)

Well not quite if you count the peel session recording from 2004, which includes some of the tracks on this album. Nevertheless though, this thing has been a long time coming. It definitely has been worth the wait. Shellac's characteristic sound is what you get here, and the lyrics and theme are at times droll (e.g. 'be prepared') but always interesting. The guitars and percussion are what draw you in though, and i don't really think this band has many peers in their level of coheseveness and energy. Of course, it goes without saying that their live show is good, however they rarely tour due to their day jobs as recording engineers etc., so if they come to your town you should go.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST Shellac Yet!!!, August 13, 2008

By 

Hamster Dan "noise fan" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Excellent Italian Greyhound (Audio CD)

Though it is no "Big Black" in the angst and rage department, these guys are awesome, and this has to be by far their best one yet! If you were turned off by the long droning songs on previous albums, don't let that stop you from checking this one out. Even the long songs are filled with fantastic lyrics and bursts of extreme intensity. "End of Radio" could be the best 8.5 minute song EVER! It's worth it just to hear Albini screaming "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?!". But then it goes on to more rocking (and surprisingly musical) tunes like "Steady as She Goes" and "Elephant". Also the fact that someone else in the band is putting in some vocals (is that Todd or Bob?) makes this one seem less like an Albini project and more like a band.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the wait., June 6, 2007

By 

lux mccallister - See all my reviews

This review is from: Excellent Italian Greyhound (Audio CD)

"Excellent Italian Greyhound" finds Ablini and co developing their signature sound even further. The album opens up with the eight and a half minute "End of Radio" which slowly but steadily builds up from just Steve and his guitar only to return to square one and build up all over again. And the intensity only lets up for the two minute instrumental "Kittypants" which is quite possibly the most melodic thing they've ever recorded. The album closes with the brilliant "Spoke", which finds Steve Albini and Bob Weston in a screaming match of sorts over a fast-paced drum beat courtesy of Todd Trainer.

If you're a fan of punk, indie, rock, or just music in general, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.