Album Details

• Artist: The Jesus Lizard
• Album: Club
• Label: Chunklet
• Year of Release: 2011
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2011-10-03

A two LP set to accompany the live DVD (released in August on MVD Visual) of the same name, "Club" is a record of the 2009 reunion of one of the legendary assaultive, abusive, darkly hilarious bastards of the punk era. Jesus Lizard shows were always good for a few fights and brutal music. The reunion showed that the band has mellowed little after a decade or so in civilian life. As is customary with vinyl releases these days, this is touted as a one- time only pressing of 1000, so act fast: this was/is one reunion not to be missed.

Recorded in Nashville at Exit/In, "Club" that rare, joyous thing: a record that meets and surpasses your expectations. Singer David Yow has lost none of gifts for barbaric vocals and taunting genius. Everything you could possibly want to hear by the band is included, and in roaring, raw versions. So no need to run to old releases to hear the classics; these versions do them proud and then some. The world may not be a safer place with current versions of "Puss," "My Own Urine," "Monkey Trick" and "Boilermaker," but it will be a more entertaining and honest one.

The band, then, is in fine form, and Yow clearly endeared himself to and enraged and insulted yet another grateful audience. That he didn't get beat down when he went into the crowd is a testament to that.

The Jesus Lizard were in their prime during an era when cover songs were done in derision and reunions were must-attend-to-insult-old-ass-band moments. Today, we are more forgiving of reunions, and probably for more reasons that just the fact that it is cool to see the guys again. (Iron Maiden and Doughtry are playing the same night in your town. Choose!)  "Club" comes along at the right time, as did the reunion. This is an awesome addition to their sordid catalog, one that strides in step with their best.

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