Portable Galaxie 500
Recalling Boston bands, most will name the alt-rock clique that includes the Pixies, the Breeders, Blake Babies, and Throwing Muses. Classic-rock apostles will summon images of Aerosmith. But very few will name one of the most influential bands of the late '80s and early '90s. In the United States, Galaxie 500 remained nearly anonymous throughout their brief but brilliant career. Enjoying a broader admiration in the U.K., Galaxie 500 performed there frequently, enjoying an outpouring of critical acclaim with every tour. Their sound nods to the Velvet Underground with its uncomplicated yet provocative slo-mo melodies. But their distorted wash of guitars and reverbed-into-oblivion vocals make their contribution to the shoegazing movement of 1988-1992 essential.The Portable Galaxie 500is a compilation of the best songs from their previous albums. With each listen, you'll regret more and more the brevity of this band's marvelous tenure.--Beth Bessmer