Beale Dabbs
I can't say enough about this record. It's an onion that I will never finish peeling. So many layers, so much depth, so much to uncover. One of those lightning strike records. Unrepeatable. Everything stops when I listen to it.
Medical Records is very proud to present the long overdue reissue of “Shoulder Voices”, the seminal 1993 debut LP released by Rollerskate Skinny. Originally released on Placebo Records, (a subsidiary of Beggars Banquet), it has been long out of print and rare to find on vinyl format. Rollerskate Skinny, formed in Dublin by Ken Griffin, Jimi Shields, Ger Griffin and Stephen Murray in early 1992, released two 10” vinyl only EP’s, “Novice” and “Trophy”, prior to the release of Shoulder Voices. Novice was included in NME’s Top Ten New Band releases for 1992 while Trophy received Single of Week in the NME. The band’s name was taken from The Catcher In The Rye ("She's quite skinny, like me, but nice skinny, roller-skate skinny."). The album, co-produced by Guy Fixsen (Laika), received many accolades upon release including (CMJ Magazine Album of the Month). The band toured with many great bands of the time including Pavement, the Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev. Hard to characterize, Shoulder Voices is a true masterpiece, featuring elements of severely catchy pop, heavily distorted guitar and keyboard sounds, weird experimental passages and other unclassifiable styles. Over the years, and with revived interest in the early 90’s sound, this record is becoming increasingly popular with a new cult following, joining the legions of fans who were obsessed with it the first time round. The opening track “Miss Leader” is typical of the journey the record takes; it starts off with a jangly pop sensibility before a wall of guitars tears the sweet mood apart. “Violence To Violence”, one of the albums most striking tracks, explodes with jagged guitar hooks while alternating noisy and ethereal passages share space, evenly, with super catchy melodies and lyrics. This reissue will certainly appeal to fans of the experimental pop era that was the early 90s. Features a bonus insert containing interview with Jimi Shields and Rollerskate Skinny retrospective written by Sean Kirkpatrick. Presented on high-quality 180gram heavyweight red vinyl.
supported by 15 fans who also own “Shoulder Voices (MR-037)”
This is absolutely nothing like loveless. It's its own thing completely, and comparisons are kind of baffling.
It's more Isn't Anything covered by the Swirlies IF the comparison must be made, because this is it's own masterpiece.The sounds of the opening track are pure bliss. bishtmomph
supported by 15 fans who also own “Shoulder Voices (MR-037)”
Is there a better pop song than “Ginger”?
Yeah, but too not many.
Also: Robert Pollard had to be jealous when he heard it. IF he heard it, which is pretty likely. Brian Issues
supported by 14 fans who also own “Shoulder Voices (MR-037)”
One of the greatest records ever recorded. I had to give it a few listens before I recognized its sheer brilliance, and it became ultra-important in my life — caring for me when I was down, rocking my face off, and able to tell that girl I had a crush on just what I thought of her. DO NOT sleep in this record. I can’t stress it enough. I hear something new with every listen … and I’ve listened thousands of times lauck
On their 10th record, the Glasgow-based group serves up more wonderfully menacing, gothy synthpop, perfect for dungeon dancing. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 19, 2023
The luminous minimal synth duo's latest, due in February, is their most carefully constructed and emotionally resonant yet. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 31, 2018
supported by 13 fans who also own “Shoulder Voices (MR-037)”
90s shoegaze bands, even the best ones, tended to be terminally uncool. Bowery Electric was a major exception. I mean, they even had an amazing shirt that put "Bowery Electric" on the Adidas logo. This record and Beat are beyond essential listening, shimmering with uniquely menacing, entrancing beauty. kimbendixjr