Eudora

(Vagrant)

The Get Up Kids' new album Eudora is a blazing compilation of rare recordings off of old 7-inch recordings that are now out of print. This is a record for the true fan that does not mind the slight hissing on a recording - someone that can appreciate some real homemade music in raw form. This one is for all of you vinyl-challenged people out there who only listen to your rock and roll on CD and don't know what a 45 or a 33 are.

Songs include covers of the Cure's "Close to Me" and "On With the Show" by Motley CrŸe that stand up to the originals but with an indie flair. Also featured on the album are a handful of b-sides from the group's last album, Something to Write Home About.

Eudora is a mixture between the band's first and second albums, showcasing the new talent and the transition into a great band that has a diverse sound and well-written songs.

The Get Up Kids have come from rock obscurity into leading the way in indie-rock music, much like Arizona natives Jimmy Eat World. These are two bands that are extremely gifted but very underrated as artists. They're just on the verge of being something big but never quite able to make it. This may or may not be good for the band, but it has kept the music fun and real. There are no radio hits on this album - just great music for people who want something with substance.

Pick this album up now and lock your CD player up because the new-release board online has nothing big to boast for a while - that is, unless you consider the new Shaquille O'Neal album (out Dec. 18!) something to get excited about.