Disco de The Posies: “In Case You Didn't Feel Like Plugging In”

Coming on the heels of the somewhat dissapointing live release Alive Before The Iceburg, In Case You Didn't Feel Like Plugging In (title co-opted from Ministry!) is especially welcome.

Like the Posies' recent shows, this album strips the band down to Jon and Ken, which in the end is all that matters. The songs here sparkle, from the reclaimed Failure chestnuts "I May Hate You Sometimes" and "Believe In Something Other Than Yourself" to a brilliantly rearranged version of "Grant Hart" to straight readings of "Every Bitter Drop" and "Solar Sister". Jon and Ken's harmonies sound great, and it's something of a revelation to hear the Posies transform into power pop's own Everly Brothers.

This CD is a gift to be treasured. Every Posies fan should support it's release.

Although I've seen the Posies live many times since 1991, I decided to forgo Jon & Ken's acoustic show when it came through my city a few months ago in lieu of watching the final episode of Survivor. I immediately realized upon listening to this CD what an egregious mistake that was.

Not only are their harmonies as gorgeous and lifting as ever, but the inclusion such treasures as "I May Hate You Sometimes (But I'll Always Love You)" and "Suddenly Mary" are enough to inspire a heartfelt sigh of loss. If you've never had the privilege of seeing this band live (or even if you have, and would like to revisit very happy memories), order this CD!

Just as Nirvana's MTV Unplugged: Live In New York showed that stripped down (to acoustic) did not equal stripped of (power and majesty), this set by onetime labelmates and Pacific Northwest brethren The Posies (Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow performing as a duo in Seattle, Feb 24th of this year) solidly delivers. Includes such favorites as "Solar Sister", Flavor Of the Month", "Throwaway" and a great version of "Grant Hart".