Days for Days
In the early '80s, Scott Miller and the rest of Game Theory made a name for themselves with a colloquial, quirky and layered retro-pop vibe. Along with bands like the Dream Syndicate, the sound gained a fervent coalition of budding new-wave fans and recovering disco refugees. A few years before Game Theory flamed out in 1990, they released a sprawling, erratic, and brilliant double album,Lolita Nation, a record that now sounds like a companion piece toDays for Days, the latest from Miller's new baby, the Loud Family. The thematic structuring of the songs, Miller's veteran guitar work, and the room granted for collaboration with his players on songs like "Deee-Pression" all repeatedly work to the album's advantage. The sweetness of Miller's writing becomes more prominent as the "Days" go by, with pop gems like "Businessmen Are Okay" greasing the album's pace until the finish, when you reach over, hit play again, and discover what you missed the first time.--Matthew Cooke