The Bottom Line Prepare to be amazed by University, the 1995 album from college rock radio darlings Throwing Muses...
Full Review
From the mid 1980’s through the mid 1990’s, Throwing Muses were one of the most notable college rock acts. Formed most notably by half sisters Kristin Hersh and Tanya Donnelly (later of The Breeders and Belly), the unconventional American band released seven total albums of new music and one live disc before disbanding officially in 1997.
Throwing Muses offered up a brand of American rock embraced by college radio even today. At the heart of the band was likely Hersh. Hersh wrote many songs throughout the band’s stay while Donnelly contributed a number of songs until she departed in 1992 to join the Breeders. While Hersh was a consistent contributor, she was also mentally ill (hallucinations caused by bipolarity). And while her illness is of course tragic, it also helped to individualize the band’s sound. Sharp, anxious, emotional and honest, the Throwing Muses were one of the most genuinely intriguing bands of their era.
Debuting with an indie EP in 1984, the band made their proper entry in 1986 with their self-titled album. As the first American band ever signed to British label 4AD, the band was expected to live up to a lot. Fortunately for listeners, radio, the band, and the label all the hype was greatly deserved. Aside from Donnelly and Hersh, also playing an important role in Throwing Muses throughout much of the decade was percussionist David Narcizo. Narcizo along with the sisters stuck around intact for the aforementioned debut, 1988’s House Tornado, 1990’s Hunkpapa, and finally 1991’s The Real Ramona. Poppier than earlier albums, The Real Ramona also marked the last appearance of Donnelly. She split from the band after creative tensions.
Of course Hersh didn’t give up the ghost quite yet. Throwing Muses regrouped with Leslie Langston on bass and Hersh writing all of the songs. Apparently the new rock direction didn’t work, 1992’s Red Heaven was a relative failure as was subsequent live release The Curse. Once again, the band was forced to gather back together. This time around, Hersh and Narcizo (the only two remaining constant forces) recruited producer and bassist Bernard Georges. The resulting album, 1995’s University, is quite possibly the band’s most powerful to date.
An amalgamation of the most perfect elements from each of the proceeding releases, University is rock, grunge, pop, and effervescent alternative. And while the production elements are shinier (an addition that all too often sinks an otherwise decent band), it adds nicely to Hersh’s typically uneven guitar and augments her catchy lyrics and vocals.
University is a wholly enjoyable album. Hersh’s vocals are gorgeously invigorating and in stark contrast on the whole to the raucous rock guitars and percussion that characterize the song. Probably the most easily comparable act in a lot of ways to this incarnation of Throwing Muses is ironically The Breeders. It its heart, this album is rock and roll. In its soul, University still manages to be just risky and intelligent enough to not have gotten the attention it so deserved.
Throwing Muses only briefly brushed with Billboard on this album. Bright Yellow Gun is a fantastically creative song. Hersh’s vocals are impeccable. Her tonality is unique and clean while the lyrics are extraordinarily thought provoking yet catchy. This ranks among the best of all time from the band. And even if listeners don’t want to actually think about the words being said, Hersh’s delivery is enough to make any person at all interested in alt-rock perk up.
As the album continues, there are some great songs and other merely good tracks. Start and Hazing are decent songs in their own right but overshadowed by other tracks like Shimmer. What proves most impressive about that song is the fact that Throwing Muses were able to assemble a fun song that on one hand is rock and roll yet on the other is thick and clever pop. This is the kind of song and album that should act as a crossover for listeners looking to explore something more than pop.
Both Crabtown and Fever Few represent the softer side of the band. Crabtown is the most perfect of these two tracks. Despite the light instrumentation, something about the vivid guitars and Hersh’s introspective vocals make the song seem much deeper than a simple melodrama. And then there are the words…no great band is complete without a great set of lyrics:
Underwater I swim sound, Cast a shadow on your cloud
Scattered days like spray, Champagne
Lost my head on Reject Beach, Lost my heart
Come away with me
As far as sharp, concise songs go No Way in Hell is an obvious choice for top honors on this particular album…not to say that others like Flood aren’t nearly as impressive. On songs like these two, Hersh harshly emotes. Listeners will feel, not just hear, her trouble and pain.
Finally, Teller is yet another sparkling alt-rock song. Hersh is an obviously talented songwriter and for that matter singer. She warbles along with the thumping drums and grinding electric guitars with deceptive innocence. And it is this voice that should leave people craving more…and more…and more…
University is a masterful, yet wholly underrated album. Between this, 1986’s Throwing Muses, and 1991’s The Real Ramona there is no question as to the importance that the band had during their era. Even if none of the songs here ring a bell, it probably is worth the effort to find University…or at least to listen to a track or two. Very impressive, very important, very creative.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Bright Yellow Gun | 02. Start | 03. Hazing | 04. Shimmer | 05. Calm Down, Come Down | 06. Crabtown | 07. No Way in Hell | 08. Surf Cowboy | 09. That’s All You Wanted | 10. Teller | 11. University | 12. Snakeface | 13. Flood | 14. Fever Few
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