SUPERCHUNK

The first time I saw Superchunk was in an all-purpose event room at Temple University in 1992.   No Pocky for Kitty was just released and I had only known the band by reputation and their anthem Slack Motherf*&er.  There were all of about 70 people in attendance and with Superchunk's hyper performance stirring the college-aged crowd into a lather I became a fan.

I've seen Superchunk a number of times since the early '90's and they've never failed to impress.  They've aged exceedingly well, still throwing down just as I remember from decades ago, albeit without original bass player Laura Ballance.  This past Thursday they played the very intimate Moroccan Lounge, one night before playing the much larger Terragram Ballroom.  Seeing them in that space reminded me of hopping the train from Philadelphia to Hoboken to see them at Maxwell's while touring for On the Mouth; people shoulder-to-shoulder and singing along to every tune.  These days the crowd is filled with a few more beer bellies and a lot more beards.  All fans, and for all this time.

They have a new record, something of a reaction to social and political events of the last 2 years.  What a Time to be Alive is a great timely addition to Superchunk's rich canon.  Do yourself a favor and check it out.