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Rating: THE REVIEW
Pylon: "Hits". Never was a title less fitting for a compilation by a flash-in-the-pan group like the Athenian (Georgia) band Pylon. Between '80 and '89, they only released two albums and this compilation, then nothing (there will be a return in '90 but not noteworthy).
This compilation, dated indeed '89, gathers almost all their compositions in twenty tracks. And what compositions. The first words that come to mind when listening to the opening track Beep are "alienating, sharp, alternative": The drums dictate a metronomic rhythm, over which abstract sketches of wild guitar play, seemingly there just by chance. The bass enters headfirst and does its dirty work, but it is Vanessa's voice that strikes and immediately kills the listener. Like a child from whom candy has been taken, Vanessa is able to produce screams and shouts that make the sound biting and incisive, and whispers that add a psychedelic touch to it all. The main theme of the songs remains more or less the same with some peaks here and there. Their most famous "Crazy" (later covered for a reason by M.Stipe&Co.), "Human Body" (a driving garage punk-rock track like few others), "Danger" (a dub-underground track with an oblique rhythm and incredible charm), and several others. Since Pylon deserves more than a fleeting listen, I invite everyone to free their shelves of this dusty record, unjustly surrounded by a terrible aura of bad luck. Adieu
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Summary by Bot
Pylon's 'Hits' compilation from 1989 showcases their sharp, alienating post-punk sound with wild guitars, metronomic drums, and distinctive vocals by Vanessa. Despite their brief original run in the 1980s and a largely overlooked legacy, this collection captures essential tracks like 'Crazy' and 'Human Body.' The review encourages rediscovery of this underrated band and their influential music.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
01 Beep (03:24)
03 Dub (04:41)
04 Volume (04:15)
05 Altitude (03:15)
06 Gravity (02:38)
07 Danger (05:37)
08 Stop It (03:06)
10 M-Train (03:48)
11 K (04:31)
12 Driving School (03:48)
14 Yo-Yo (04:17)
15 The Human Body (03:06)
16 Read a Book (01:56)
17 No Clocks (02:58)
18 Recent Title (02:26)
19 Working Is No Problem (03:30)
20 Weather Radio (02:14)
Pylon
Pylon are an American post‑punk/new wave band from Athens, Georgia, formed in 1979 by Vanessa Briscoe Hay, Randall Bewley, Michael Lachowski, and Curtis Crowe. They released Gyrate (1980) and Chomp (1983), and were championed by R.E.M., who covered their song Crazy. The group’s concise, danceable angular sound helped define the early Athens scene.03 Reviews
