3 out of 5

Label: Telemomo

Produced by: ? (recorded live)

A fun live set, but perhaps more noteworthy as the only recorded document of The Crust Brothers – some Silkworm dudes, and Stephen Malkmus.  Choosing to play exclusively covers, and generally of the classics variety – Dylan, Skynyrd – the track selection perhaps leans more toward SKWM’s musical wheelhouse, but there’s a very off-the-cuff vibe to the recording (likely true to the short-lived nature of the group) that plays to a Pavement-y jangle.  Enjoyment is likely increased if you’re a fan of / familiar with the covered music, but the energetic crowd and equally enthused band members gives proceedings a notch up in general, and though we get some off-key warbling from Andy, Tim, and Stephen, these are veteran rockers who are fully capable of wreaking quality havoc with their instruments, and that confidence level is clear.

Also clear: the guitars, bass, and drums.  The mic (mics?) were set at a good place to get a good, even mix, but the vocals definitely suffer: lots of reverb, lots of fading in and out.  And there is quite an excessive amount of audience banter and chatter, though in this case, it helps to move past the “you had to be there” vibe to make you easily imagine the sweaty bar in which this show occurred, and in which you likely would have had a good time listening to some classic jams.