SSM

For all of the ounces of ink used to write glowing reviews and accounts about the Raconteurs, double that amount should be used on SSM. Don't get me wrong, I really do like the Raconteurs; but they need to stop being encouraged. It's time for Mr. Benson and Mr. White to stop hanging out in attics together and return to their old endeavors. Yes, Jack, it's time for another White Stripes album. Go get your goddamned red pants out of the closet and start writing some more music. OK? And yes, Smaller Jack and Patrick, it's time for some more Greenhornes. And don't even get me started on you, Brendan. I don't care if you like hanging out with Lou Reed (though shame on you if you do); get back out there and start working on all of your other groups again.

But what does all of this blathering about the Raconteurs have to do with SSM? It's the fact that there will never be that aggravating feeling that SSM needs to split up. While all three members also come out of more than respectable Detroit rock roots (Speaking of which, hey Szymanski, where's my new Hentchmen album? Huh, huh?), the three members are making original rock & roll music that would never come out of any of their bands. SSM never feels like a side project; it's a rock and roll spaceship, motherfucker.

EP-1 blasts listeners off into a space adventure of exotic monster woman, silver shiny ray guns that shoot out "shake your ass or die" lasers, and a spaceship that only runs on bar beer. It's the world every young rock fan wants to be a part of. SSM reminds us all in this current nation of crying man-children and indie rock pastels that music can be fun. It doesn't have to be "prove you can get into fucking Harvard" bullshit. You can just dance with a hot chick in a tight shirt and have a good time. No existential whimpering allowed. And even when things get a little quieter (the new "Belle Isle Daze"), it's more like having a cigarette out on the porch with your best friend. Things are cool and mellow, baby.

Ironically, the only problem I had with this EP will probably be its biggest appeal for newcomers to SSM. Two of the tracks on this EP were already released on LP-1, the band's limited run before their Alive debut. And so, while it's nice to see "Country City" and "You'll Be Glad You Did" once again released into the world, it kinda sucks if you already shelled out the ten bucks for LP-1 to get an album with two tracks you already owned. But then again, isn't that the nature of EPs?

- Megan Giddings

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