The Embarrassment – “Sex Drive” b/w “Patio Set” 7” (Last Laugh)
RECOMMENDED
Now here is something: the Embos’ highly desirable debut single, one which somehow rolls the joys of punk, new wave and power pop all into one, had one unforgettable flaw. It was pressed off-center. You know how much that sucks? A lot! That off-centeredness found its way onto the band’s discography, Heyday, as well. Warbling unsteadily, “Sex Drive” still punched well above its weight, four guys in Wichita writing the rules while most of America – and almost anyone else where they were, for hundreds of miles – disco napped through the turn of the ‘80s. Even at its five minute runtime, it excites throughout, as it builds and surges through tinny guitars, shoebox drumming, and clicking rhythms into high-tach repression spilling out in shuddering release. My point is, the fellow behind Last Laugh was able to track down the band and the original master tapes, and press up an exact repro reissue that’s completely balanced. It’s the best representation to date of this landmark track, and it kicks off a series of vinyl represses from the Embarrassment’s vault in fine and long-sought-after style. “Patio Set” is no slouch either. If ever there were a must-own record from the era, this would be it. (http://www.lastlaughrecords.us)
(Doug Mosurock)
