Because it's been a long time, I don't recall whether I picked up Man Sized Action's Claustrophobia at random, or whether I'd heard about them because Husker Du's Bob Mould produced the album (side note: I definitely bought Soul Asylum's Made to Be Broken after reading, probably in SPIN, that Mould produced it).
Either way, I had no idea what Man Sized Action would sound like. It ain't like today, kids, when the Internet tells you everything you need to know, and way, way more.
And frankly, before writing this, I didn't recall what they sounded like. Their tunes haven't been burned into my psyche the way many of The Rezillos' songs have (see September 8, 2011, Hit or Miss, Part I).
The band certainly had their supporters. Obviously, Mould was behind them. I also found an article online written by recording engineer extraordinaire/arbiter of punk cool Steve Albini, who also dug Man Sized Action.
I have to say, though, after listening to these album samples (I don't have a working turntable), I'm not impressed. The music isn't as fast as I was expecting, and I can't stand singer Pat Woods's voice.
Yes, there are bands I like whose singers are obviously not classically trained (such as my favorite band of all time, the Flaming Lips). And I love Neil Young and his crazy warble.
I would definitely like Man Sized Action if their singer didn't sound so...bored, and like he's afraid to let it all go. When he tries to emote, it's like he doesn't know how. Score Man Sized Action's Claustrophobia a miss.
Judge for yourself:
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