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Editorial Reviews
Review
Puts the pedal to the medal with youthful abandon. --Time Out New York
Product Description
Since releasing their first 7-inch in '89, Superchunk has run the gamut of milestone albums: early punk rock stompers, polished mid-career masterpieces, and lush, adventurous curveballs. Conventional wisdom holds that a band two decades into its career can only rehash or reinvent, but with Majesty Shredding, Superchunk has done something entirely different. Neither a return nor a departure, Majesty Shredding telescopes two decades into 41 indelible, action-packed minutes. It is the sound of youthful exuberance fine-tuned with grown-up confidence. And it may very well be their best record yet.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Superchunk's last studio album ("Here's To Shutting Up") displayed all the sophistication that had been building since "Foolish." Strings, keyboard drones, and pedal steels wound through open-work pop songwriting that was among their most minimal and refined. It was a great, mature pop record that neatly joined many of the explorations Mac McCaughan had been making via his Portastatic outlet. A nine-year break followed. Portastatic stepped up its presence -- Jim Wilbur joined on bass.
There had been hints that the eventual Superchunk record was going to be a rocker. Compilation tracks (like "Everyone's Been Crushed" from Kill Rock Stars' "Fields And Streams" double-disc) were absolute corkers, and the "Leaves In The Gutter" E.P. that preceded "Majesty Shredding" last year collected 4 excellent "loose-end" songs of refreshed sounding indie rock. One of the songs, "Learned To Surf," reappears toward the middle of the new album.
Superchunk's sound remains very consistent, but within that tight-wired world of implosive distortion and guitars that hover just below feeding back, an admirable variety of musical and lyrical ideas unfold. From the opening shot of the pop-infused "Digging For Something" to the insanely catchy and slightly absurd "My Gap Feels Wide," this whole recording sounds nothing like a band that went on hiatus for most of a decade -- instead this sounds like it could easily slot somewhere between "Here's Where The Strings Come In" and "Come Pick Me Up".
The most immediate and noticeable difference that makes this separate from older Superchunk releases is the amount of range and confidence that Mac has gained as a singer. Additionally, an array of well-arranged vocal harmonies allude to the sheer volume of great pop songs already under this band's belt. "Majesty Shredding" is generally an upbeat record, keeping its energy and pace over its whole course. It's sprinkled with a couple more subdued numbers like "Fractures In Plaster" (where the strings come in) or the country-leaning/Wedding Present-esque "Rosemarie," but even those travel along at a pretty good clip. Drummer Jon Wurster and bassist Laura Ballance certainly don't sound like they sat idle either, the rhythm section on "M.S." is in excellent form. Along with the aforementioned "Learned To Surf," the opening two song salvo and the closing two songs "Hot Tubes" and "Everything At Once," their latest is well-stocked with a maddening amount of fresh twists on their signature sound. A few of the wiry riffs nod to older songs, but the band only glances over its shoulder once or twice, it never hesitates. In fact, some of the anti-solos and clever arrangements that spike up throughout "M.S." buoy any thoughts of sinking into nostalgia. One of the stalwarts of independent music-making, Superchunk has managed the neat trick of emerging from a prolonged break revitalized and brimming with ideas.
What can really be said about Superchunk that hasn't been said better before? Once again they've put out a great record, as if no time passed at all, and I can't stop listening to it. I think that's the sign of a great comeback.
There had been hints that the eventual Superchunk record was going to be a rocker. Compilation tracks (like "Everyone's Been Crushed" from Kill Rock Stars' "Fields And Streams" double-disc) were absolute corkers, and the "Leaves In The Gutter" E.P. that preceded "Majesty Shredding" last year collected 4 excellent "loose-end" songs of refreshed sounding indie rock. One of the songs, "Learned To Surf," reappears toward the middle of the new album.
Superchunk's sound remains very consistent, but within that tight-wired world of implosive distortion and guitars that hover just below feeding back, an admirable variety of musical and lyrical ideas unfold. From the opening shot of the pop-infused "Digging For Something" to the insanely catchy and slightly absurd "My Gap Feels Wide," this whole recording sounds nothing like a band that went on hiatus for most of a decade -- instead this sounds like it could easily slot somewhere between "Here's Where The Strings Come In" and "Come Pick Me Up".
The most immediate and noticeable difference that makes this separate from older Superchunk releases is the amount of range and confidence that Mac has gained as a singer. Additionally, an array of well-arranged vocal harmonies allude to the sheer volume of great pop songs already under this band's belt. "Majesty Shredding" is generally an upbeat record, keeping its energy and pace over its whole course. It's sprinkled with a couple more subdued numbers like "Fractures In Plaster" (where the strings come in) or the country-leaning/Wedding Present-esque "Rosemarie," but even those travel along at a pretty good clip. Drummer Jon Wurster and bassist Laura Ballance certainly don't sound like they sat idle either, the rhythm section on "M.S." is in excellent form. Along with the aforementioned "Learned To Surf," the opening two song salvo and the closing two songs "Hot Tubes" and "Everything At Once," their latest is well-stocked with a maddening amount of fresh twists on their signature sound. A few of the wiry riffs nod to older songs, but the band only glances over its shoulder once or twice, it never hesitates. In fact, some of the anti-solos and clever arrangements that spike up throughout "M.S." buoy any thoughts of sinking into nostalgia. One of the stalwarts of independent music-making, Superchunk has managed the neat trick of emerging from a prolonged break revitalized and brimming with ideas.
What can really be said about Superchunk that hasn't been said better before? Once again they've put out a great record, as if no time passed at all, and I can't stop listening to it. I think that's the sign of a great comeback.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By dillamonster
Format:MP3 Music
I won't pretend to be unbiased: Superchunk are my favorite band. But the idea that they could take a nine-year break and come back with what may well be the best Superchunk record ever seemed impossible to me. And, yet, here we are. A great place to start for first-timers, and a welcome return for longtime fans. I was fortunate enough to see them on a recent tour, and seeing a whole audience spontaneously clap along in rhythm on the breakdown for "Digging For Something", without being prompted by anyone onstage, tells you everything you need to know - these songs hit the sweet spot just as well aas anything they've done.
If you're not convinced, start with "Digging For Something", "Learned to Surf", and "Everything at Once", and then go from there. Pure indie-rock, dual guitar, jump-up-and-down sing along crunchy pop hook bliss.
If you're not convinced, start with "Digging For Something", "Learned to Surf", and "Everything at Once", and then go from there. Pure indie-rock, dual guitar, jump-up-and-down sing along crunchy pop hook bliss.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Music
Some where in a music quiz it would be wonderful to throw in a killer question on which band have left the longest gap between albums throughout their career? The Blue Nile are notoriously slow recorders of albums with gaps of five years and more; the recent Swans album with the title of the year - "My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky" came thirteen years after their last release and now we have Superchunk with a mere nano second in comparison amounting to nine years since their last album 2001's "Here's To Shutting Up". Was it worth the wait, too bloody right it was for "Majesty shredding" is a power pop/rock diamond packed with great songs and huge choruses but infused with the punk ethic aptly summarised in their greatest in your face classic "Slack Motherf**ker" (they don't do titles like that any more!). Indeed "Majesty Shredding" sees the band turning back the clock to their early albums such as "Here's Where The Strings Come In" but at the same time sounding totally vital and contemporary.
The songs on this album are relentless in their hook driven brilliance and it is the type of music that you need to play at Spinal Tap 11 to fully appreciate. Take for example the hugely propulsive "Digging for Something" which should be number 1 in seven continents. It starts with huge chords and a underpinning melody that calls down the ghosts of the Beach Boys and Husker Du in equal measure. Its one of those songs that requires 10,000 sweaty teenagers going mad in a field in middle England and giving the bouncers at the front of the stage all kinds of health and safety challenges. Likewise "Crossed Wires" is anthem laden crunchy pop of the highest order while "Learned to Surf" previously appeared on the "Leaves In The Gutter" E.P and sounds even more wonderful her with crisper production and enough feistiness and charm to have the bands name tattooed on your anatomy. The slightly heavier "Fractures in plaster" comes over like a metal version of a Teenage Fanclub song and I can think of no higher recommendation, while "Winter Games" start with drums that threaten your houses foundations and pile drives to a glorious conclusion. Finally "My gap feels weird" is like an Elliot Smith song on speed and one of this albums great highlights. By the time the album finishes with "Everything at once" all you can do is send singer and guitarist Mac McCaughan a heartfelt vote of thanks and ask him to pass your highest regards on to his chums in this great band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
If the world in 2010 played fair Superchunk would be plastered over bedroom walls and have songs covered by Justin Bieber! Alas you suspect its not to be. It should not however deter you from purchasing this great album of frenzied intensity and pop swagger which proves that while nine years may have past they were far from wasted.
The songs on this album are relentless in their hook driven brilliance and it is the type of music that you need to play at Spinal Tap 11 to fully appreciate. Take for example the hugely propulsive "Digging for Something" which should be number 1 in seven continents. It starts with huge chords and a underpinning melody that calls down the ghosts of the Beach Boys and Husker Du in equal measure. Its one of those songs that requires 10,000 sweaty teenagers going mad in a field in middle England and giving the bouncers at the front of the stage all kinds of health and safety challenges. Likewise "Crossed Wires" is anthem laden crunchy pop of the highest order while "Learned to Surf" previously appeared on the "Leaves In The Gutter" E.P and sounds even more wonderful her with crisper production and enough feistiness and charm to have the bands name tattooed on your anatomy. The slightly heavier "Fractures in plaster" comes over like a metal version of a Teenage Fanclub song and I can think of no higher recommendation, while "Winter Games" start with drums that threaten your houses foundations and pile drives to a glorious conclusion. Finally "My gap feels weird" is like an Elliot Smith song on speed and one of this albums great highlights. By the time the album finishes with "Everything at once" all you can do is send singer and guitarist Mac McCaughan a heartfelt vote of thanks and ask him to pass your highest regards on to his chums in this great band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
If the world in 2010 played fair Superchunk would be plastered over bedroom walls and have songs covered by Justin Bieber! Alas you suspect its not to be. It should not however deter you from purchasing this great album of frenzied intensity and pop swagger which proves that while nine years may have past they were far from wasted.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good stuff
Another enjoyable CD from Superchunk - hopefully, it won't be nine years between releases as was this case between this one and their previous CD.
Published 2 months ago by Peter
5.0 out of 5 stars
Return to form
A return to form for a band that's been around for ages. I still listen to this all the time.
Published 4 months ago by Thomas S. Maddux
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pop giants bestride the world
My admiration is unreserved! Majesty Shredding gives us gnarly melodies that will win more and more of your love with each listen; witty and striking lyrics in every song; and... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Jay Ruben
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding!
I'm only a minor Superchunk fan -- I mean, I guess I have all their albums and like them all to varying degrees -- but this one is really a standout, just a great, straight-ahead... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Spinky
5.0 out of 5 stars
I stopped swimming and learned to surf...
My history with Superchunk goes back to the early 90s. Singles Collection, No Pocky, and On the Mouth were on regular rotation on my record player/in my cd player. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Jason Zimmerman
5.0 out of 5 stars
One word: Awesome
I'm a big Superchunk fan. Saw them live a bunch of times, and they always rocked. This might actually be their best album. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Robert W.
5.0 out of 5 stars
(Slaps forehead) I could have downloaded this for 5 bucks
But then, if I hadn't purchased the cd, I would not have received in addition the fabulous lyric book insert with photos of each band member in a pose. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Kawika
5.0 out of 5 stars
Holy cow. This is good.
I'm a long-time fan of the Chunk, like a lot of the reviewers here. I love them, and have seen them live more than any other band, so I am a bit biased here. Read more
Published on March 9, 2011 by Steven J. Center
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Rock Album of 2010?
I have to say 2010 was a disappointing year for new music. My friends and I typically make Top 10 lists at year's end, and it was a struggle to find 10 worthy records this time... Read more
Published on March 3, 2011 by Drischord
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Album
I really like every song on this CD. It is one of the best in any genre I have heard in a long time...
Published on November 20, 2010 by Kathy (music lover)
