One Sock Missing/Crappin’ you Negative

Grifters

Fat Possum Records, 2016

Album re-issues have become to records labels what movie sequels are to movie companies and Sylvester Stallone, a sure way to make at least a couple of bucks, flogging something that was popular (sort of) once before. And why not? The hip young version of you dwelling in the Mini Van, 3 kids and a mortgage you is surely sick of “Wheels of the Bus.”

The Grifters were a Memphis based alt rock band who were busiest during the 1990’s. Their particular brand of rock was loose and rattley like Crazy Horse in the mid 70’s.

One Sock Missing, gives us “She Blows Blasts of Static,” and “Teenage Jesus,” which even cleaned up, reeks of lo-fi living. Someone’s already taxed amplifier sounds like they went ahead and punched a speaker fullof holes with a pencil,just because. “Shark,” and “Tupelo Moan,” both sounds like they were written after a long stretch of binge listening to Exile on Main Street.

With Crappin’ You Negative, “Maps of the Sun,” Black Fuel Incinerator,” and “Bronze Cast” hold up the best.

Distorted and teetering on the verge of fallin’ apart the songs are a rollicking, unrefined blast.