Pretty Girls Make Graves: Good
Health
Lookout Records LK279CD 2002
http://www.Lookoutrecords.com
Over 10 years ago I was addicted to a certain Lookout band known as Operation Ivy. At that time Lookout was signing bands that packed a punch and each had their own independent sound. Lately it seems that to be more into providing soundtracks for the Warp tour or Playstation2 games. The label has even redesigned itself by changing its logo to a less crunchy version that looks like it belongs on a pair of expensive jeans. If the brainless drivel that seems to be pouring forth from the Lookout office up in Berkley (Bikini Kill recently released an album on the label which catapulted itself from the 'new' to 'used' bins at supersonic speed) is any indication, one might assume that Pretty Girls Make Grave's album Good Health is no different.
Fortunately it is not.
This album is fantastic. Its pop-like,
chucky, tunes are nothing new (think Superchunk or early Velocity Girl mixed
with Tilt). However, Good Health is good for that very reason. PGMG came up
with a solid formula that works and still has class. The blend is just enough
punky spice with poppy syrup to make for a perfect taste. For example "Bring
It On Golden Pond" is a bouncy anthem piece that in its dense layering
of chanting choruses, and buzzing guitars recall all the good bits of what
made the third iteration of Punk Rock so interesting and simply delicious
to listen to. "The Get Away" is a simply beautiful piece that recounts
all the bitter-sweet longing of teenage love. It reminds one of crisp fall
days that last forever and make one so anxious to be alive. The chirping swirl
of the guitars are and sweet power crooning of singer Andrea Zollo on this
track are inductive of what makes this album such a wonderful experience.
Pretty Girls Make Graves will swoon in your arms, spin you about by your wrists,
blow kisses in your face, and scream in frustration because you cannot understand
how great it is to be young and alive.
-John Southern