Alias (1995)
Whether you want to call them Small or Small 23, this band is just so great. Though their legacy isn't as well remembered as some of their peers like Archers Of Loaf, Superchunk or Knapsack; Small is another one of those quintessential 1990's bands that deserve a spot in any well respected record collection. Though the acquisition of this on vinyl is new to me, I have had the CD of this album forever.
You really could make a strong argument for 1994's Chin Music, but with a gun to my head I'd probably pick Silver Gleaming Death Machine as my favorite Small record. From the moment that chugging guitar riff on album opener "Steal Some Candy" fires up, I'm just hopelessly captivated by this Chapel Hill powerhouse. While they are fully entrenched in indie rock, Small, like Superchunk, always pushed towards an upbeat more punk rock sound. They are masters of the catchy chorus and every song just contains hook after hook.
Honestly I could go on and on about this band, But all you really need is to take a listen to "The Bert Factor." With its start stop guitar in the verse, its gigantic chorus hook and some tasteful lead guitar shredding; it's a pretty perfect representation of what an incredible band they were. To me, it seems that every band from the 90's is getting back together for a victory lap, whether it's deserved or not. While I have a feeling Small probably won't be one of those bands that receive a big money offer for a reunion, they're one of the older bands I'd like most to see come to town and play the hits.
Small - "The Bert Factor":
Small - "Do The Math":
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