Sad Like Crazy
Love Songs to Death
(Ojet Records)
One of my favorite records from 1998 was from a DC band called Smart Went Crazy who prompted
split up, great name notwithstanding. When I recently received the debut from Sad Like Crazy
from Ojet Records in Austin, TX, I gave them instant style points. At 22 songs and well over an
hour in length, get this band a song editor, which they helpfully acknowledge in the liner notes.
There are easily 12-14 strong songs here like "Twist" and "Shake the Elders" that would have
made a stronger impact if some of the chaff had been cut away.
Recorded in a home studio and live to tape in front of dozens of handclaps, Love Songs to Death
will appeal to anyone with an indie heart, lo-fi sensibilities and who may have heard of a band
called Pavement. Musically, those influences abound. Delivery-wise, none more strikingly than on
"Nettle" which SM may be singing on for all I know. They also sneak in a Replacements cover
though that must be music in the van as I'd be hesitant to say I hear much of the wacky
Minnesotans.
My advice, not that they're asking, is to mic the drums better and let Mari do more singing as I
particularly liked her turns on "Lynette" and "Suitcase," my fave on the whole CD. I had fun
reading the album title with the first word as either a verb or adjective. Maybe you will too.
Extra points for referring to the state of undress as "nekkid." Rating: 7
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