Sounds Like: Grief and loss from the group once described as “The house band for a John Waters’ film.” 

I am embarrassed that this is the first time I’m writing about Shannon & The Clams.  They are one of my all-time favorite bands, with an impeccable discography. Many a better writer have tried to categorize their sound, and it’s always fun to ask people to try to sum it up, as its familiar yet wholly unique. You step into another dimension when you put on one of their albums, as eras blend together.

“Year of the Spider” might be their strongest offering yet, albeit a darker turn for them, in themes anyway. (The choruses and the riffs will still make your toes tap.) What’s strikes me about “Year Of the Spider” is how it rewards the patient listener; I love albums that grow in shape and sound with each listen, but The Clams usually give you everything right up front. Their albums are endlessly repeatable, anchored by tight song writing, flawless instrumentation and harmonies and hooks for miles. Don’t get me wrong — all of that is present and accounted for on “Year of the Spider” but there is so much more.

This album has a distinctive mood, that is there from the opening guitar lick, but really gets it’s claws into you the more you sit with it. It’s the sound of gravity, the weight that the band carried to get to this point. “Year of The Spider” is a milestone for The Clams, and one fo the rarest things in all of music: the sound of a band evolving while reinforcing, not sacrificing, their strengths.

Favorite Track: This is an impossible task, as on any of their albums, it switches with every listen because their all so good.  Today it’s the title track, as i’ve been singing that bouncy little number all week. But ask me again tomorrow.