Search - Buck Pets :: To the Quick

Like the Replacements, but with louder guitars.

M. Roy | usa | 06/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Buck Pets are the greatest band that most people have never heard of. Inspired by bands like the Replacements and the Pretenders (but with louder guitars), their third album ("tothequick") combined a driving groove with stream-of-consciousness lyrics that at times read like a Jack Kerouac novel (and even included a reference to Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales"). Personal favorites include the frantic punk rock of the title track, the delicate beauty of "walk it to the payphone", and the Jesus and Mary Chain/My Bloody Valentine-esque feedback-drenched catharsis of "crutch". Other highlights include the lonesome "rocket to you" and an outstanding cover of the Who's "Bargain" (CD-only). Overall, tothequick features a depth of maturity (particularly "living is the biggest thing", "nothing's ever gonna be alright again", and "c'mon baby") that far exceeds the sum of its parts. Almost 14 years later, tothequick remains my favorite album of all time."