The Vaselines Are Back

It's been nearly a generation since the last Vaselines record so to think that they're back and making music again is such a mind blowing thing that I can barely contain my excitement. This once seminal band who was loved by indie popsters and grungers alike (hello Kurt Cobaine) is seminal once again with their new album, Sex With An X. Recorded over a thirteen day period with help from Belle & Sebastian members Stevie Jackson and Bob Kildea as well as Michael McGaughrin from the 1990's, the album sounds like indie records used to; slightly underproduced and glistening with jangly pop everywhere. They may have taken twenty years to get around to this record but the energy and vitality of this album makes it all worth it.

Sex With An X sounds like the best K Records collection never recorded and sounding something like Beat Happening with actual tunes, the record is bound to put a smile on your face. Packed to the gills with girl/boy harmonies, witty lyrics, whimsical nearly over joyous riffs, and a sense of urgency The Vaselines prove over the course of this record that you don't need to teach an old dog new tricks, the old ones are just fine. Sex With An X sparkles on just about every song. Overly catchy and uncomplicated, this is the sound of band who clearly never forgot how to write the perfect indie pop anthem and thanks to a few friends have renewed that ability with vigor. There's not really anything you can say that would detract from this record...this is the sound of 80's British pop brought through time via Tardis to the present day, dressed up in all black leather, and let run rampant. Sex With An X is a ridiculously good time and unlike a romp in the sack with an ex, this is one thing you won't regret in the morning.

From the title track's persistent pestering of whether or not it's bad for you to the scornful "Such a Fool," The Vaselines have a lot of pent up emotions that they let explode all over this record. Sex With An X has some spiteful moments but as their bio says, there's no hand-wringing on this record, just good clean smut with a twist of bitter. If that sounds like fun, it is. Sex With An X is such a welcome gift from a band long overdue for massive adoration and I'm glad The Vaselines came back together to make it. It might have taken two decades to make, but Sex With An X is a fantastically smart, wry, and awesome record that never once disappoints. Unlike having sex with an ex, The Vaselines latest album is recommended beyond all recommendations.