What the hell? When did we become Sub Pop's personal PR department? I don't think I've EVER seen one label send us this much good stuff. Not that I'm complaining, it's refreshing and all, but man.

Ok, so on to the umpteenth Sub Pop review (keep in mind these aren't written in alphabetical order). The Catheters, as poorly named as they are, are another in a long line of bands pulling the garage rock of the seventies out of the car hold and onto the mainstage; but unlike so many of their contemporaries, the Catheters bring the energy of those bands with them, and the result is simply delightful. 11 hard rocking tunes laid out in with a sci-fi, acid rock cover replet with a lightening-infused Mars-scape and a girl with a skull. This is rock 'n' roll, people! No doubt about it.

The songs themselves leave little to be desired in the literal sense, as the Catheters have filled all the holes. A prefect combination of crunchy guitars, heady riffs, and just enough quiet, melodic fretwork to skirt the line of pretention (but not cross it at all). This record is simple fun in a complex world, and complex fun for a simple state of mind.

This record makes me nostalgic for high school and, more importantly, a time when rock stars actually rocked. It left me digging through my 12"s for my old Stooges records. And ANYTHING that makes you do that is good.

-Dave Mandell