Ghosts on the Run

Josh Homme, John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl. When I heard the lineup for Them Crooked Vultures I nearly shit myself. What a fucking supergroup. The best part of it all - It actually works. I'll admit being apprehensive, I often find that supergroups are less than the sum of their parts. Them Crooked Vultures manages to move beyond the gimmicky "supergroup" moniker and crank out some really fucking awesome tunes.

Them Crooked Vultures - Mind Eraser, No Chaser / HWY 1

http://www.discogs.com/Them-Crooked-Vultures-Mind-Eraser-No-Chaser-HWY-1/release/2237401

This is yet another RSD 2010 release. A two sided 10" picture disc slipped into a clear red jacket. Containing one studio cut, one unreleased live track, and an interview it was well worth the $15.



The clear red outer sleeve casts a bloody tint onto the picture disc. It's hard to say if it looks cooler inside or outside the sleeve. A sticker containing the track listing, credits, and a barcode is affixed to the upper left hand corner.



The picture disc itself displays a very crooked vulture. Looking dapper in a red suit, he mockingly smokes a cigarette. Side A also displays the track listing and length.



The back of the disc features a Them Crooked Vultures emblem. A vulture clutches a skull with a grimace, ready for war.

This is the first time I have spun this album, and I see no obvious defects on the vinyl. Side A contains both musical tracks. Side B contains an interview with Liam Lynch. I will note any sound issues as they arise.

The first track, Mind Eraser, No Chaser, is a cut of the studio album. As far as I can tell it is the exact same version as on the full length. Still though, I love this song. Josh's vocals are excellent as always, and you can really feel the band working as one. Often when you get three big names in the same room it is a battle for the spotlight. Not so with Them Crooked Vultures, everyone has their place.

The second cut is a live version of HWY 1. Recorded at the Triple J in Sydney, Australia, it gives you a taste of an amazing live performance. This track was not included on the full length album but they do play it live frequently. The sound quality is acceptable; there is a small amount of crowd noise but overall each instrument is acceptably audible.

Side B contains an interview. I'm not really big on interviews especially when they are pressed onto a physical product. I feel they should be relegated to the digital realm, maybe that is just me. The content of the interview is interesting though, Liam is an excellent interviewer. He walks us through the formation of the band and each members struggles with working in an unfamiliar setting. They really cover the topic of Supergroup and all that comes with it very well.

The price for this 10" remains reasonable. At about $15 it's a pretty good deal considering you get an otherwise unavailable track. The prese3ntation is really cool, who doesn't like picture discs. Also, the interview is actually pretty interesting and worth a listen. If you are a fan, grab one up. There are numerous copies on Discogs and eBay.

On another note, I am growing tired with the prescriptive format I have chiseled out for these reviews. Tomorrow I will attempt to break the mold so to speak and do something a little different.