As I've mentioned before, there was a time when record store cut-out bins were stacked to the ceiling with all the WTF major label signings. If you dig around long enough you probably still can find a handful of vintage 1993 DGC promo copies of this record at my local favorite. I probably haven't listened to this since I first dismissed it as just another typical major label cash-in on my beloved "underground" sound. But a funny thing happened recently. I stumbled back upon the DGC Rarities, Vol. 1 compilation, and it turns out that the Cell track on there is pretty fucking huge. One thing led to another, and I ordered this CD for one penny plus shipping.
My penny saved is your penny earned (yeah yeah, not my best metaphor, I know). Never mind this album is one of the more notorious relics of that borderline-psychotic post-Nevermind major label feeding frenzy. After fifteen years, Slo*Blo actually holds up really well with such time-lapsed objectivity. I am obligated to mention Sonic Youth here - Cell's drummer was a SY roadie before hitting the big time, as it were - but save for that relationship and being signed by DGC, that's where the similarities end. This record is full of loud, midtempo rock songs with soaring guitar duels and anthemic choruses. If I had to pick an indie rock icon as a reference, I would have to say Lungfish. That's right.
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