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Rating: LA RECENSIONE
Nothing is worth anything. This is a sad story, but true. It will be a lot if we don't end up crying.
The Italian revolutionary was wrong when he said that man is half luck and half virtue. He was wrong, and TAR confirms this with the blood and sweat uselessly shed on the stages of half of America. The support of Tom Hazelmyer and printing records for Amphetamine Reptile amounted to nothing. Handing over their songs to the microphones of Albini—for this "Jackson"—amounted to nothing. A split with Jawbox and a tour with Jesus Lizard served no purpose. Despite everything, TAR ended up in the limbo of "who are they?" and I don't doubt they suspected it from the start.
It was 1991 when TAR from Chicago released "Jackson", their second album. It was the year of the debut of Unsane and Jawbox, of "Goat", of "Spiderland". TAR did not arrive late. They were there, among the eminent groups of the nineties, but despite it all, some are born posthumously and remain marked.
The Jesus Lizard without that marked vein of hysteria; Unsane not oppressive and macabre; Jawbox much less frenzied.
An unrefined no-riff stripped to the bone that is left hanging, as if the author had forgotten the note that follows ("Dark Mark"); a clear chord—the one in "Trauma"—definitive and firm, stretching to the boundaries of Post-Rock while the bass continues its geometric path. On the other side of the coin lies the charm of "Goethe" with that dragged melody seemingly stolen from Johnny Rotten; the syncopations, the hiccups of "Walking The King" that caress the silence before and after the storm and make even the air sound. If you feel like you're hearing Chino Moreno sing ("Viaduct Removal"), don't worry: you haven't gone crazy. He thanks them too, along with the many guitarists who have taken and recycled this simple but highly effective style. A stable, essential, full style.
Re-establish the hierarchies of the 90s, put an end to this sad story: you cannot ignore TAR and my thanks to the hopelessly freak souls, with vinyl walls at home, and to their advice.
Three and a half stars.
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Summary by Bot
The review reflects on Tar's 1991 album Jackson as an overlooked but essential act in the 90s post-rock and alternative scene. Despite strong connections with influential bands and producers, Tar remained largely unrecognized. The album features stripped-down, minimalistic riffs and impressive melodies, influencing later artists. The review encourages re-evaluating Tar's place in rock history with appreciation for their unique style.Tracklist
Tar
Chicago-based noise-rock/post-hardcore band, active 1988–1995. Associated with Amphetamine Reptile; the 1991 album Jackson was recorded with Steve Albini.01 Reviews
