3ds / Hellzapoppin

Flying Nun

Released in 1992, Hellzapoppin was the 3Ds’ first full-length album. The giddy crunch of opener “Outer Space,” with a flat-out fun melody and plenty of crazy guitar effects, sets the tone for an LP that is both thrashing and tuneful but never pointlessly macho. Instead, among the crash, bang and occasional hysterics, songs like “Ugly Day” and “Swallow” radiate vibes of fun. Guest performer Alan Starrett (who’s collaborated with members of The Chills, Toy Love, etc.) adds a few extra instrumental touches here and there, like viola and kalimba on the clattering “Teacher Is Dead.” “Leave the Dogs to Play,” with its hollow percussion, heavily treated guitars and vocals, shows a band getting more comfortable with studio possibilities, while having a blast at the same time. Led by the masterful guitar playing of David Mitchell, the 3Ds’ upbeat, high-energy songs were a giant influence on bands like Superchunk and Pavement, and they culled melody out of noise in a manner only rivaled by Sonic Youth.

Vinyl comes with free digital download that includes the bonus track "Baby's On Fire".

• SHARE

  •  Twitter
  •  Stumbleupon
  •  Digg
  •  del.icio.us
  •  Facebook
  •  Mixx