Reviews

Morbid Web

Cheater Slicks Live at CBGB’s 02.28.92 LP

Recorded at their second CBGB’s appearance, this set captures the band during a period of evolution in the wake of the departure of bassist Merle Allin, as they were becoming the heavy and experimental three-piece unit that they remain today. The earliest session of the four live CHEATER SLICKS albums recently released by Brooklyn’s esteemed Almost Ready Records, the sound quality on Live at CBGB’s 1992 is notably strong and clear, having been remastered from the original board tape for a dynamic presentation. It sounds great loud, preserving the wild atmosphere and nuances in the performance adequately as hits like “Destination Lonely” and “Possession” howl from the speakers. Crank it up, crack a cold one, and bask in its sweaty, loaded energy in the comfort of your living room.

Cheater Slicks Live at Double Happiness LP

CHEATER SLICKS get another live document courtesy of Almost Ready Records, who’ve already put out several LPs of their shows plus a four-cassette box set. Recorded at a record store appearance in July 2014, Live at Double Happiness captures the band in their natural state: loud, loose, and completely unconcerned with your approval. Some of it serves a VELVET UNDERGROUND AND NICO vibe, all the instruments doing their own thing simultaneously, and those were the moments that hooked me most. The whole record plays like outsider art rendered in thick, rough lines, presented with a confidence that makes it clear they’re doing exactly what they want to do. If you don’t get it or don’t want to get it, that’s on you. They’re just going to keep on going. Limited to 180 copies on vinyl for the faithful.