The Reigning Sound: Live at Goner Records
Thursday, August 6th, 2009
As the Reigning Sounds’ least essential recording, Live at Goner Records is quite prolific. Recorded at Memphis’ Goner Records store, the recording first appeared as a limited CD-R in 2005, and later as a vinyl-only release. The legit CD documents a low-stress afternoon when shoppers were treated to gritty garage-punk songs from the group’s first three albums, plus a few covers. The leisurely gig best serves up such melodic numbers as “Carol” and “Drowning.” “Two Thieves” is cut short when singer/guitarist Greg Cartwright receives an electric shock mid-song. But the jolt gets the heart pumping to amp up “We Repel.” Live at Goner Records feels like a good, comprehensive bootleg, but it’s not a jam for beginners. This one’s for fans — most of whom probably already own it. (Goner) 4 stars out of 5
