Better Days Will Haunt You
Along with Versus, Silkworm, and Red Red Meat, Chavez were one of the best guitar-rock bands in a decade oversaturated with such acts, in both the over- and underground. Fans and newbies alike can rejoice withBetter Days, a three-disc collection with two CDs and one DVD. The tracks--1995'sGone Glimmeringand 1996'sRide The Faderplus B-sides, one previously unreleased tune, and a few songs from compilations--have all been remastered. The New York-based act had actual harmonies to match their big power-chorded anthems. And sure, their tunes were literate and funny--but most importantly, they totally rocked. The best thing about the band, as has often been noted, was the twin guitar playing of Clay Tarver and Matt Sweeney. It's in evidence all over this generous retrospective.--Mike McGonigal