TELEVISION CITY DREAM
GENRE | PISSED SUBURBAN PUNK
VERDICT | POLISHED PANIC ATTACK
LABEL | FAT WRECK CHORDS
RELEASE | 11.9.10
SCREECHINGWEASEL.COM
When Television City Dream dropped in 1998, Ben Weasel and crew were playing alongside Green Day, and things were Astrogliding along for the Chicago punks. Around then, Weasel’s anxiety peaked and he snapped. He became agoraphobic. He didn’t go Howard Hughes and start saving his toenail clippings in Kleenex boxes, but he was severely challenged to leave his house.
This is my theory on why this album didn’t explode the first time. It’s been remixed and re-mastered, and now has the clean, abrasive shine of a soapy switchblade. “Dummy Up” is a real doozy, with a fast, ’50s boppy tempo. The 20 tracks punch along with a kinetic, panicked flare that gives the album a Ramones-esque flow. The selfish urgency continues with the lyrics of “Shut the Hell Up.” It’s beautiful and to the point. Ben Weasel may often have his foot in his mouth, but he makes panic attacks seem fun through horribly catchy music.
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