Sub Pop Bands - Fastbacks

Living with music teaches you things. Things like, never trust anyone who doesn't like the Rezillos, avoid Merle Haggard when you're down, and most importantly, when times are tough (which is pretty much always), keep your Fastbacks records handy.

Luckily, the cheer-you-up stack just got a little taller thanks to these Seattle sweethearts, latest release, New Mansions In Sound. Just don't let the stately title fool you. Beyond the plush pleasures of the album's cushy harmonies, it's clear that the Fastbacks house is still built upon the rock.

To many Seattleites, the Fastbacks ARE the "Seattle Scene." They've plugged away since 1979 without apparent regard for trends or fashion, continuously refining their special brand of punk/pop while never falling victim to monotony or self-parody. Songwriter Kurt Bloch still joy-rides his guitar through the best of the past four decades, while bassist Kim Warnick and guitarist Lulu Gargiulo sing with the kind of gutsy honesty that makes them feel like your oldest buddies. And yes, there's even a drummer.

(See, the Fastbacks' "drummer problem" is legendary. In the 17 years they've been together, the core of Kurt, Kim, and Lulu has held firm, while they've plowed through about 15 drummers. While Mike is arguably as integrated a drummer as they've ever had, even New Mansions has two tracks featuring Nate Johnson [ex-Flop, Fastbacks] and Jason Finn [of the Presidents of the USA] on drums.)

While the Fastbacks formed in 1979, "we only got good in 1989," Kim jokes. "We never set out to be a band for 17 years. It's kind of like a mistake that's kept going--but not a bad one. Kurt always says there isn't any way to quit this band."

Kurt himself offers a number of reasons for the band's longevity, and all of them come down to friendship, desire, and fun. Or, as he puts it, "there's nothing better than having an idea for a song take over your life." For those of us without our own ideas, there's nothing better than a fresh Fastbacks record in our hot little hands.

Complete track listing for "New Mansions In Sound". Click on highlighted names to download a sample or take a gander at the CD cover which features a painting by Tad Hutchinson All songs in .AU format, click here for .WAV format. Fortune's Misery Which Has Not Been Written No Information I Know Weather: Perfectly Clear 555 part one 555 part two Stay At Home The Bitter Drink Just Say Banner Year Is It Familiar? Space Station #5 Find Your Way Girl's Eyes	Fastbacks lineup: Kurt Bloch--guitar Kim Warnick--vocals, bass Lulu Gargiulo--guitar, vocals Mike Musburger--drums Huge discography available on request.


"New Mansions in Sound" was produced by Kurt Bloch for the "I would like to do that" Brothers. Engineered by Pete Gerrald and Kurt Bloch. Recorde at Hanzsek Audio and Ironwood Studios, Seattle WA., February 1996. Jason Finn played drums on "No Information" courtesy The Presidents of the United States of America and Columbia Records. Nate Johnson played drums on "Banner Year" courtesy of his own good-natured self. Rusty Willoughby, Ken Posy and Hammi all do something on "Is It familiar" and e.v. sings harmoniously on "Girl's Eyes" by kind permission of Wes C. Addle. Paintings by Tad Hutchinson. Photography by Lance Mercer. Drawings by Bill Jacobsen. Art wrassling by Hank Trotter.