Local Drags - Keep Me Glued

 Local Drags - Keep Me Glued 

I don't recall the moment when I discovered that there was a plethora of Power Pop made in America but only available from labels overseas. I mean, sure, I've always known that there have been scads of US artists that never get nationwide distribution but this was the first time as I reentered the vinyl world, that I learned about just how MUCH there was. 

I think the throughline starts with a Facebook page about Power Pop. The playlist in one particular post led me to a series of bands and singles that perked me up. Lovebreakers. The Yum Yums. Radio Days. And more. 

Searching for those records, the latter two being on Screaming Apple records took me to The Machine Shop Rocks, an American distributor and that brought me to a page where Local Drags lived. Or sold. 

And, when I finally pulled the order trigger, I made sure to order those records because the entire MO of my vinyl journey was to support smaller artists. I mean, the Taylor Swifts of the world don't need my money (Yes, I bought Midnights....dammit) but the Lannie Durbins of the world? He could use my $20. 

Like the Starter Jackets project Lannie is involved with, these records are filled to their short running time brim with 2 minute razor sharp pop rockers that, 40 years ago, would have seen them move to a larger label and try to make it in the era of skinny ties and weird Nielsen guitars. 

My main complaint? I've already stated it and I will again when the other records of his come up: 23 minutes is not an album. It could be called a "mini-album" but, then, who would spend full ticket price for that, right? 

The music, however, is another story. Because no song wears out their welcome, the album is a breeze. The guitars are crunchy, the choruses work, the understated vocals never pushing too far into RAWK. This follows the Power Pop motif laid out by the likes of The Raspberries, albeit, Local Drags' music is edgier. 

Grade: A-

Packaging Grade: C (No inner sleeve, no notes, no lyrics, but the Chemical Lake Blue platter is gorgeous)

A Sides: Springfield Discount Cemetary, Cash Bar, Keep Me Glued

Blind Sides: Give a Shit Anyway, Ghost Runner