that dog. - Totally Crushed Out LP

Third Man (2020, Reissue)

In 1994 and 1995 I was beyond obsessed with Beck.  I was losing my mind trying to hunt down every record, single, compilation appearance or guest appearance I could get my hands on.  This was a crucial time where the record collecting bug really dug its claws into me.  This was also a time where I was exploring and learning a great deal about other indie rock bands, particularly those from the Pacific Northwest and those that had some ties, no matter how loose, to Beck.  A band whose ties weren't loose at all was that dog.

that dog. (it always looks weird writing the stylized version of their name in a sentence) appeared on several Beck songs during this era.  These songs also happened to be some of my very favorites such as "Totally Konfused" and "Steve Threw Up."  When Totally Crushed out came out in 1995, I won't go so far as to say I bought it immediately, but I definitely picked up pretty soon after it was released.

This is an album that I've loved for quite some time.  I love the way the crunchy guitar plays with Petra Haden's violin. I love the way the vocal harmonies built off of each other to crescendo in the choruses.  I love the sugary pop melodies and the simple stories built upon the emotions and ache that comes with being young and having an unreturned crush.  There's so much about this record that is perfect, and all of it holds up amazingly well twenty five years later.

On top of the great songs and nostalgic emotions that they stir, Third Man has done an incredible job with the reissue.  As far as the artwork and packaging go, the standard version that you can buy isn't anything particularly special.  But when you put this on the turntable, hot damn the speakers just come alive.  They've done an incredible job with this one and I can definitely say that Totally Crushed Out has never sounded better than it does on this reissue.

that dog. - Totally Crushed Out (YouTube Music playlist):
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mXI21q7lD9AGCj-a5PhOSl3tFmhngQNmk