Albums by this artist

Volume V (2001)

Super XX Man

Volume V

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» A.K. GOLD | STAFF WRITER

Super XX Man Volume V Post-Parlo, 2001 RiYL: Silver Scooter, Old 97's, more recent Tom Petty

Six years ago, Scott Garred left his college home in Washington state and headed to Austin, Texas. After moving across the length of the country and at the prodding of some of his friends, Garred released some of the songs that he had recorded over the years on a four-track. Under the moniker Super XX Man (taken from a discontinued line of Kodak film) the first cassette, Volume I, gave way to another a year later called, appropriately enough, Volume II. Volume III shifted from self-release to Peek-a-Boo Industries and the 7" format and in 2000, Super XX Man's Volume IV was a full-fledged, full-length CD release.

Garred is now offering up Volume V and this sincere and simple confessional record is his catchiest volume yet.

"You Dream Fast" is spiced with acoustic guitar strumming, syncopated drum beats (or is that a drum machine?) and a chorus touched by an organ part straight out of Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone." But through it all, Garred's decidedly unexceptional voice offers up lyrics that are simple yet affective like the final, repeated mantra:"You dream fast and I'll dream slow / where we'll stop no one will know."

"Garage Apartment" opens with Garred singing "I need another chance / I want another chance / I need another chance to be with you." The acoustic guitar strum backed plea gives way to distraction as Garred leads the listener out on the street on a late night bike ride and the discovery of a garage apartment up for rent. The story of the lonely garage apartment and his longing are twisted together as the contact information on the "Apartment For Rent" sign emerges as the most memorable phone number in pop since 867-5309.

But the crowning moment is the final track, "Hot August Nights," which sports a fleshed-out rhythm section and electric guitar hook that mirrors the the chorus's proclaimation that, "Tonight, I'm a wandering man." On this song, Garred capably blends his own indie pop penchant with a teaspoon of Kris Kristofferson's badass country swagger.

As with the recordings by his other band, Silver Scooter, on Volume V Scott Garred has a knack for head-bopping stories about normal guys doing normal things -- driving, checking out apartments and pining after girls. And though it is not filled with revolutionary lyrical content or groundbreaking musical arrangements, this latest effort from Super XX Man supports the notion that often the best things are the simple ones.

A.K. GOLD | A.K. Gold lives in Washington, D.C., where she slaves away for a non-profit organization and constantly compares everything to New York City or Chicago. She's earned her "cred" as a college radio and pre-1960 country music DJ, committed indie label street teamer, sporadic zinemaker/contributor, retired mail-order filler and occasional freelance writer. From time to time, she publishes Anecdotal Evidence, a per zine that will some day be considered for the National Book Award, or possibly not. If you want to buy a copy, or desire to write to her for some other reason, email criticgirl@hotmail.com.