Tim Schweiger & The Middle Men

Album Title: The Big Let Down
Record Label: The Good Land
Review by Sal Serio
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Tim Schweiger & The Middle Men - The Big Let Down

Not to be confused with The Missingmen, who back up Mike Watt and sometimes that schmuck from Sebadoh, this is buzz saw guitar driven Midwestern power pop from singer and songwriter Tim Schweiger of Obsoletes, Yesterday’s Kids, and Paul Collins’ Beat fame. Schweiger’s second solo release can be found on vinyl c/o The Good Land, and on CD c/o Duck on Monkey Records. Both formats feature unique cover art. Sorry, I was trying to not confuse you.

This should sum things up better. The Big Let Down features three anti-love songs, two “waiting for that girl to call” lonely, somewhat self-loathing songs, one hung-over, almost self-loathing but mostly just drunk and lonely song, two slower-tempo nostalgic lost love songs, a Jackson Browne cover which also happens to be a melancholy lost love song, and one paranoid track, but at least it’s not a sad love song. All these are set to a swell soundtrack of churning guitars, pleasant harmony vocals, super tight rhythm section, some unaccredited organ and harmonica, and an overall really crisp and clean recording job.

Don’t let me fool you. Although I’m giving Schweiger a hard time, I do like this release. My favorite track is “Up on Talking” with its reggae beat contrasted by the Neil Young-ish harp and subtle, yet still sad, lyrics. I’m also pretty hip to the opener, “I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend,” with the punch line being, “I was your friend just because all I wanted was your love.” Dude, I’ve been there.

How do movie reviewers put it? Recommended, yet not a first date record? Bingo.

Tim Schweiger & The Middle Men Online
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