SELBY TIGERS
The Curse of The Selby Tigers (Hopeless Records)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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They seem oddly European, but are from St. Paul, Minnesota. They recall forgotten gems from Wire, to Devo, possibly The Cardiacs, and others from back in the era when "Punk" was still nursing and was usually identified as New Wave - at least it was when the band in question knew what they were doing musically, which is true here. They have... (wait for it)songs! Songs that stay in your head hours after you've heard them. "Neighbor With A Defect" is spinning right-round-baby in my dome at this very moment. Could this signal a (coughing) New Wave of New Wave/Punk? Why not? We've already had a New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and look at where that got us (all right, Budgie had their moments).

There are some outstanding sword-fighting male and female vocals from Nathan and Arzu D2. The bassist does stand-up comedy live between songs, and the band actually knows the definition of fashion. Their tunes are skeletal at times, economical, and on the sticky side. Sticky, meaning catchy and captivating. Absolutely recommended!

8/10

© 2002 - Jason Thornberry