Various - Half-Assed 7" (1994, Kranepool/Shithouse Rat)

A few days ago, Shiny Grey Monotone blog shared the 1994 soundtrack to the indie flick Half-Cocked.  Not to be outdone, I was inspired to post this 7" comp, the cover of which is a picture-perfect mock of the sleeve for said soundtrack.  The rose-red motif is where the similarities end however, as Half-Assed wasn't for a movie at all, rather a showcase of six Albany, NY-area bands that were making a solid go of it at the time.  Most notable to me, and perhaps even you, is the inclusion of a non-lp, lo-fi Figgs nugget "1000 People Grinning," which incorporates a bit of a Merseybeat vibe. Catapult also appear to be on something of a 4-track kick here as well.  We also enjoy a tune from Dryer, a trio of co-ed indie popsters who I've spoken of highly on here before.   Don't have much to offer on Small Ax, although their contribution, "Holy Ways" definitely subscribes to Amphetamine Reptile aesthetics.  Beef made a name for themselves on the Albany club circuit back when this wax was churned out, but I'm not sure if you guess it from the sound of things here.  The Coal Palace Kings were No Depression acolytes to the nth degree, with several releases under their belt, and the swinging little country number, "Asskicker Theme," despite it's slightly pugnacious title, is as good a place as any to make your acquaintance.

01. Small Ax - Holy Ways
02. Beef - Papercup
03. Coal Palace Kings - Asskicker Theme
04. Catapult - Seasons Change
05. The Figgs - 1000 People Grinning
06. Dryer - Helicopter

http://rapidshare.com/files/455782432/va_halfassed.rar

The Braves - That's the Hot Part (2003, Arms Reach)

That's the Hot Part, issued on the now defunct Arms Reach Records label, was my first exposure The Braves, and though it pales slightly to the quintet's bolder follow-up, Love & Mercy, it's remarkable in it's own rite, albeit something of an acquired taste.  The group's rather indigenous blend of emotive fervor, gently smothered melodies, and unconstrained delivery all come together fluidly (and fluently) on this immensely promising half hour of power.  If you're still unconvinced, read what Big Takeover magazine had to say:

I’d love to ghettoize this album with a convenient, dumbed-down catchall tag, like “jangle-core” “mid-fi” or “inide rock,” but alas I’m out of luck.  There’s something immense going on within these five inches of aluminum that defies applying such mundane designations.  That’s the Hot Part pulses and breathes with the kind of sparseness and downbeat purity the Spinanes and Inbreds have made their calling card, but an average song length of a scant two minutes lends a detached and mildly fragmented template to the Braves performances.  Perhaps it’s not by coincidence that “Hear, Say!” lifts a good chunk of the melody from REM’s Murmur classic, “Catapult,” as The Braves’ strongest songs mesh with the refreshingly disassociated and atmospheric context of that album.  In this day and age, I’d say that makes That’s The Hot Part all the more vital.

You might still be able to obtain copies of TTHP through the always reliable and reasonably priced Interpunk.  Johann's Face Records who released the aforementioned Braves sophomore album, Love & Mercy should still have plenty of those in stock, as does Interpunk.

01. This is My Wife
02.  And These Are My Wedding Day Shoes
03. You're No F- Jazz Guitarist
04. Your Car
05. Young Loves
06. I Am a Patriot
07. We Haven't
08. Oh Wait, Yes We Have
09. But a Lieutenant
10. I Want to Build Us a Big White House
11. Young Lies
12. Gentlemen's Blues
13. Hear, Say!
14. Your Harmless Disposition

http://rapidshare.com/files/455585160/braves_tthp.rar