Goodwill Scores pt. I

So, like many of you, I am a fan of the occasional trek to one of the fine local Goodwill Establishments, I think that if you go in with an open mind you will probably leave with some choice goodies. Indianapolis runs the gamut, so to speak, in terms of Goodwill quality. Some you'll find next to nothing, others you could have a heyday. My favorite is the Broad Ripple location - before, I've found such gems as a Pavement T-shirt, a Cave-In CD, a Radiohead shirt.

Well, last Sunday I ventured out to my favorite used goods retail store to do some shopping (you see, I had, on the day prior, ripped a hole in a pair of my work pants, and was in need of some new khakis). I found myself some clothes, and that was all good and well, so I decided to peruse the CD stock, because "Hey," I thought, "there could be something decent."

The first album that popped out for me was Sebadoh's 1994 LP Bakesale.


I won't say I'm the biggest Sebadoh fan, but I have one of their other albums (1999's The Sebadoh), and I really like it, so... yeah, after a few listens now I can say that I definitely like this one a whole lot too. Very solid 90's alt-guitar rock - with two core songwriters at helm here, the tracks unwind in what feels like a free-for-all. There isn't a consistent sound they've got here, rather an overall aesthetic that they pool their creativity into. Unfortunately for the guys, I think this creates an atmosphere where everything is pleasing, but most of it isn't overly captivating. Could just mean I need to give it more spins though.


The second album I came across is the Toadies 2001 output Hell Below, Stars Above.


I'm a big fan of the first Toadies record, Rubberneck, and knew of but had never heard this joint. So, when I saw it on the shelf I didn't really think twice about nabbing it. That said, this record is kind of weird. There are moments that rock just as hard, if not harder, than the first. Then, the next minute, Vaden Todd Lewis just hits you with some bizarre melody or strange time pattern that leaves you scratching your head. Solid joint, overall, however.