The Born Losers--"For Chicago Girls" + 2
Scarey Records 2004
While Italy's Scarey Records is probably best known for releases by ANTiSEEN, the Dead Kings, Bootleg Bill, and similar fare, a closer look at their roster reveals greater depth and diversity than one might expect. One of the obvious wild cards in their catalog is this 7" from the Born Losers. The verdict: not what you'd probably anticipate via Scarey, but the quality is here in spades all the same.
A good point of comparison for how the Born Losers sound would be the Tyrades or Oscars. You could also draw a parallel between this music and that of bands such as the Final Solutions and Catholic Boys, though what you get on this slab isn't very angular or art damaged. Still, the Born Losers have a knack for throwing in an odd time signature shift here and there so subtle you have to keep alert or they'll fly right over your head. This is a very straightforward feeling listen that often isn't as linear as it seems.
In terms of ace songsmithing, the Born Losers would've been hard pressed to serve up a better batch of tunes than they have here. Side-A's "For Chicago Girls" feels like an almost-instant classic. The way the verses in this song end creates an involuntary rush of adrenaline in the human body--epic, powerful, goosbump inducing, and undeniable. The flipside opening "Streets Of This Town" keeps the energy level set at "frantic," while the platter closing "Red Light Valentine" proves most sinister in class at a snakey, swaggered-out midtempo.
Hopefully, people won't get caught up in perception and this 7" will find its way into the hands of those who should appreciate it most. That probably won't be a problem--the cream always rises to the top and the Born Losers really deliver here. Furiously executed with attitude to spare. A very pleasant surprise.
Score this 7" directly from SCAREY RECORDS
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