Search - Big Black :: Hammer Party

The Only Good Policeman is a Dead One

08/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Big Black were unquestionably one of the finest independent rock bands of the '80s. They were loud, crushing, intense and best of all, uncompromising, not giving a flying fudge how they came off to anyone else. Hence, this caused extreme, uninhibited, great art. At the same time, lyrically, the band was like a well-oiled machine that took people's false perceptions of America, chewed them up and spit them out, exposing its dark side for all to see. For virgins of the band, "The Hammer Party" is a fine place to start. Many feel that the first EP, "Lungs" is not the band's best by a long shot, but I still love the quirky charms of this ameturish first record. "Steelworker" and "Dead Billy" are Big Black classics worth a listen. The next EP featured might be the best one the band ever churned out, "Bulldozer." There is no denying the brillance of tracks like "Cables" and "Pigeon Kill" which mock white trash mentalities and combine social commentary with crushing pounding riffs. Finally, the CD also includes the "Racer X" EP, which includes the humorous title track based on the evil twin of "Speed Racer" and a lyrically quintessential song, "The Ugly American." Throughout this disc, one may hear hints of industrial music, but this is mainly due to the use of a drum machine, which was an integral part of the band's assault. This music is bleak, depressing, and ugly (also great if you are angry), but hey, that was the point. Big Black knew what they wanted to do and they accomplished it well."

Not a Pretty Picture

riot67 | detroit | 09/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Whether or not you believed Albini's rants or whether or not you despised him is really secondary to one thing---he and Big Black affected you one way or another. You could not listen to a Big Black record and not come away thinking "what the hell was that?" And to some degree that was the point. Big Black was a machine of distruction with one goal in mind---piss people off. If you liked it then great--if you didn't then who the expletive cares. Albini and co. were probably more punk than 99% of the bands of their time who claimed they were punk and lets face facts--most punks probably did'nt get Big Black anyhow. Sure at times they sounded like an audio parody of a John Waters movie but most of the time Albini's twisted version of middle America sounded very disturbing and to this day no one has equaled it."

Hammered

Melissa Mortellaro-Laws | East Bethany, New York United States | 12/22/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was first intrigued by the mystique surrounding Steve Albini,and his place on the musical map.That is how i came to Big Black,and The Hammer Party.
This album is blunt and unapologetic,and if one wants to apply the punk tag to anything this is the kind of album it fits like a glove.If you cant stand to be reminded of the sometimes cruel realities that occur in our world it may be an idea to approach this album with caution.Yes it paints disturbing pictures,and bangs them into your skull like a drill,but it has an addictive quality,that makes you want to go back and interpret the songs for yourself.As Steve Albini says the records there we hope you like it.Standout mention from my perspective goes to the RacerX Ep section ,it is infectious right from the title song.
I also believe that it is a collection of songs that fit into any time in music's landscape,mostly because it really is alternative.I would recommend Hammer Party,then you will understand what it is that i have been stumbling along trying to put into words."