REVIEW: Guadalcanal Diary, At Your Birthday Party (Guadco)
- Bill Holmes
Back in the early 1980's, a four piece band from Georgia astutely forged a new and exciting sound from their influences. The lead singer wrote about odd topics - religious paranoia, cultural injustice, famous dead comedians - but the band created music as a democratic process. The lead guitarist was inventive and could squeeze just about any sound from his instrument, while the rhythm section was locked in seamlessly, alternately driving and supporting the thrust of the music. College radio jumped all over their first album, and rightfully so - this was something that signaled a new fusion of American musical roots with the interpretive genius of new voices. The band packed themselves into a van and headed out to play every bar and club that would have them. Their live shows whipped crowds into a frenzy, and it seemed like only a matter of time before they would be blasting out of every radio in America.
But Guadalcanal Diary never got that shot. See, radio had finally caught up with this other band called R.E.M.....and everyone radio wizard knows that you can't have two great bands from the same place. Unless it's Seattle, of course.
But radio and good music had ceased walking hand in hand years before, so Guadalcanal Diary just kept kicking ass and taking names, releasing four records for Elektra between 1984 and 1989 before finally calling it a day. Murray Attaway took his acerbic vision to Geffen and a solo deal, while the others signed on with Love Tractor and Hillbilly Frankenstein. Fans of the band cherished their vinyl legacy, another bug on the windshield of the music industry.
Fast-forward to 1995, as Attaway is recording his second (and still unreleased) solo effort. Calling upon old bandmates to join in, the spark reunites. Rumors fly. Hopes are raised. Finally, in 1996, a reunion show that not only blows the doors off the room, but energizes the band into a reformation.
At Your Birthday Party was recorded over two nights in January 1998 and features a sampling of songs from their past catalogue. Unlike some bands who have reformed out of financial need or boredom, Guadalcanal Diary sounds explosive. Jeff Walls incinerates stompers like "Watusi Rodeo" and the Stonesy "Likes Of You" (the record's high point) while Attaway sounds like a man possessed raising the roof at a revival tent. You can't see Rhett Crowe's angular frame pogo-ing at a manic pace, but you know she is. And how Poe gets through a night with the same drum heads is beyond me. Their attack of "Dead Eyes" and "Cattle Prod" would put most psychobilly bands to shame, but more melodic fare like "Pretty Is As Pretty Does" ("Dizzy Miss Lizzie", swamp style) and "Trail Of Tears" are as powerful and hypnotic as ever. Sixteen cuts deep, crisply recorded but the stink of beer and sweat is unmistakable.
Radio hasn't gotten any kinder, so although the band has recorded some new material, they are in the process of finding the right outlet for it. In the meantime, however, this self-released live document should keep old fans happy while it opens the ears of those who weren't fortunate enough to share it the first time around. Those who wish to testify are strongly advised to head over to http://www.guadalcanaldiary.com without further delay.
