Admittedly, I came late to the Centro-Matic camp. I saw them open for the Drive-By Truckers at least a couple times, but I was more concerned with drinking, socializing, and the headliners’ set than I was in them. Looking back, that’s a damn shame and something I’ll always regret. This song is what made me see the light.

The production is lo-fi-indie-pop-rock all the way. Over-compressed vocals are way out front, harmonies just below, the odd flat note adding more charm than harm, and the doubled “ooohs” so sweet over the chorus. The drums and hand claps are tribal and consistent – not much variation, but the bed is perfect for what makes THIS SONG great: the melody and the arrangement. The vocal line dances up and down like a hospital-room heart monitor. The guitar solo comes in hot and raw and rips like a kid who has heaps of natural talent but just learned how to play. The arrangement is perfect – not a wasted line, turnaround, harmony or hook. It gets there quick, throws you the hook, then takes it back till just when you need it again.

I’m a Centro-Matic fan now, but it’s too late – they played their last show in 2014. We still have the music though, and singer Will Johnson has a great run of solo releases since. What exactly does it have to do with D. Boon (legendary front-man from the great MINUTEMEN, RIP)? Why is it a 9th grade crime? I tried to contact him for a comment or 2 about the tune but the porch light was off and it’s left to us to analyze.

You can start here: Free 24 Song Download on Bandcamp but please buy the stuff that’s not free and support them properly. They still occasionally reissue previous releases on vinyl. It’s all pure gold.

And never take the opening band for granted.

Jeremy Porter lives near Detroit and fronts the rock and roll band Jeremy Porter And The Tucos. Follow them on Facebook to read his road blog about their adventures on the dive-bar circuit.
www.thetucos.com
www.facebook.com/jeremyportermusic
www.rockandrollrestrooms.com
Twitter: @jeremyportermi | Instagram: @onetogive & @jeremyportermusic