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January 25, 2006

New Minus Five & Wilco - "With A Gun"

Not a cover of the great Steely Dan song, but awesome nonetheless. "With A Gun" is is the fifth cut on the new self-titled Minus Five LP. I didn't expect the collection to be so instantly lovable, nor so poppy, considering all its references to weapons, murder, and death. "The Gun Album" delivers perfectly-constructed Beatlesque pop along the along lines of Wondermints or Candy Butchers, and with a star-studded indie rock cast (below), you're sure to want on your iPod.

The Minus 5 = Scott McCaughey, Peter Buck, Bill Rieflin, John Ramberg, Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Glenn Kotche, Mike Jorgensen, Tucker Jackson, John Moen, Jim Talstra, Eric Lovre, Colin Meloy, John Wesley Harding, Kelly Hogan, Morgan Fisher, Sean Nelson, Ken Stringfellow
I was gonna give you the twangy ballad "Cemetery Row" ('cause it's got your dreamboy Colin Meloy on vocals) but I like the Tweedy track even more, and it's more indicative of the album's vibe. Kudos to Young Fresh Fellow and Minus Five founder Scott McCaughey who wrote/co-wrote this kick-ass pop album, wicked sense of humor intact. "I'll kick your sister's ass / I'm gonna take your brother's face and smash it in the grass..." Enjoy:

The Minus Five (Feat. Wilco) - "With A Gun" (MP3 Link Expired)

Posted at 11:33 AM in




9 Comments

if you can, you should try post the song "i'm not bitter", which was track 12 on either their last album or the one before that. one of my favorite songs of the last 10 years.....such infectiously good pop.

Posted by: holmes at 01/25/06 12:39 PM | Reply
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I'd like to add that Wilco are also on "Hotel Senator," and that both tracks are leftovers from the Down With Wilco sessions. "Hotel Senator" was on the original DWW album that Mr. McCoi passed around to friends and into his old label back in 2002.

Posted by: Steve at 01/25/06 12:56 PM | Reply
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My band Blanket Music opened for the Decemberists and the Minus Five here in Portland a few months back. Peter Buck was stuck in traffic so I got to play the bass for the Minus Five during soundcheck. One of the greatest moments of my life, no joke.

Posted by: Dave D at 01/25/06 1:02 PM | Reply
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I think The Gun Album might be The Minus 5's best release to date. Very Beatlesque, I love it!

Posted by: karl at 01/25/06 1:05 PM | Reply
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yes! I started listening to this song a few weeks ago and the random violence you quoted is awesome. I'd say funny, but it's not even really funny so much as just so out of place that it's...great.

Posted by: frank at 01/25/06 2:19 PM | Reply
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This is definitely The Minus Five release of my dreams. Wow, thank you for this, I would've slept on it.

Posted by: EJ at 01/25/06 2:38 PM | Reply
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You can't really say "Minus 5 & Wilco." Minus 5 supercedes all. I'm sure Mr. Tweedy agrees.
And Down With Wilco is one of the very best kept secrets of the past 5 years. A truly amazing and beautiful album. I could live off of "The Old Plantation."
McOi is one of those guys who's gonna be remembered for a long time after he is gone, even though he gets no love today.

Posted by: LL Cool F at 01/26/06 1:05 AM | Reply
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this song kicks. Thanks scott!

and as a Ch101 dude, thanks for covering Lazy Sunday and Yacht Rock!

Posted by: jeff at 01/26/06 7:41 PM | Reply
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I thought that said "New Minus Five and Falco". Now that would be beyond what we usually get. Resurrect Austrian popstars.

Posted by: Petit Douche at 01/27/06 8:28 PM | Reply
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