THE POSIES
Alive Before The Iceberg (Badman / Houston Party)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

---

The final A-men to the Posies saga comes in the way of a much needed live document, dispelling the myth of a pure pop band in favour of a genuine, brawlin', drinkin', absolutely vital rockin'roll group. Yes, pop hooks are evident, but there's real crunch here, and the band rips it up on more than one occasion, proving the studio can be a foil as well as a tool. Suitably lubed on the Spanish vino the locals were sharing, and properly hyped from a bizarre, demonic atmosphere (aptly described by Ken Stringfellow in the hilarious liner notes), The Posies deliver a frenzied set highlighted by their classics ("Grant Hart", "Everybody is a Fucking Liar", "Flavour of the Month") and a sloppy but heartfelt version of "Surrender". Sounding exactly like Hüsker Dü, R.E.M. and Big Star on a good night, this record proves they really were the chameleons of rock. Aren't you sorry now that The Posies are no more?

© 2000 - John Sekerka