I never heard of Cap'n Jazz until about a month ago... 90s midwest emo-punk isn't really my wheelhouse, but I got hooked real fast. To me, this shit sounds like 90s skate video music (quick check: one 411 appearance), and passes all my sniff tests: indie-typography cover, angsty standout ("Oh Messy Life") and overall vinyl-worthy purchase quality ("Basil's Kite" is one of my favorite songs I've discovered this year). There's also a decent cover of A-Ha's "Take On Me," which kinda gets buried in the overall greatness. Cap'n Jazz only released one album and a handful of EPs in the 90s. The band broke up and dispersed into various emo institutions (American Football, Promise Ring, Joan Of Arc, etc.) and the Jade Tree label released this comp as a double CD back in 1998. Nearly 20 years later, we get this 180g double vinyl pressing to reconnect with. Thank you.

• 24-track compilation of Cap'n Jazz's lone 1995 album, singles + rarities
• 180g black double vinyl pressing
• deluxe gatefold sleeve
• limited edition
• music label: Jade Tree 2017

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2017