Camper Van Beethoven "La Costa Perdida"

 

About thirty years ago, the musical descriptor of "college rock" was being used to describe some of the fringe artists who were populating many non-commercial radio playlists.  For me, the torch bearer was R.E.M., followed closely by CVB.  "Take the Skinheads Bowling" was an instant classic.  I loved the smart ass lyrics and the mix of multiple musical styles.  Sold a fair number of CVB's first four albums in the middle-of-nowhere Tennessee (guessing 90% of which were students, and faculty, from the University of the South in Sewanee).  I did not own my first CVB record until Key Lime Pie, which gave us "When I Win the Lottery," "I Was Born in a Laundromat," and the wonderful cover of Status Quo's "Pictures of Matchstick Men."



Of course, the band went kablooey shortly after.  Singer David Lowery formed Cracker, which had a nice run through the 90's.  Lowery got CVB back together around the turn of the century and released a complete re-recording of Fartwood Mac's "Tusk" (why?).  He has traded off between CVB and Cracker since, also throwing out a solo album a little more than two years ago. 

2013 brings us to "The Lost Coast."  I posted this blurb about the last Cracker album in '09 and it applies here, too... "If you don't find yourself smiling at least a half dozen times while listening to this album, then you just don't get it, do ya?"  I don't believe the album will win any new fans (it hit Heatseekers, but that's it) and the established devotees are mixed as to their favorite tracks, but most agree it is a worthy keeper.  Any person who has attended one of Lowery/Cracker's Campout Music Festivals is a loyalist defined, so I inquired of the one I know, Mr. Rock K., as to his take on the album.  "NoCal Girls and the title track would make my Best of CVB compilation.  So-so on the whole disc, but a CVB record has a way of aging like a fine cabernet."  I concur wholeheartedly...



I must add this song to the "Best Of" contenders.  Has this Helter Skelter-like break in it...



A welcome addition to my vault...