Disco de Jawbreaker: “Live 4/30/96”

Some three years after the breakup of perhaps one of the last post-Nirvana great punk hopes, this gem from the live Jawbreaker vaults is released - confirming with each blistering track something fans knew all along - that Blakes' vocals were always stronger live and toned down in comparison to their last studio release "Dear You." Some of Jawbreaker's best tracks are here, including "Jinx Removing" and "Boxcar" and they truly never sounded better, with the distortion of Blake's Gibson billowing and the vocals sounding like true "Bivouac" era-Jawbreaker - ruff, edgy and full of heart. Thank God this was released. It's beautiful. The few unreleased tracks included here resoundingly suggest Jawbreakers' finest moments weren't behind them - "Gemini" is just amazing. There's no point in wondering what if now. It's just so apparent they could have taken over whenever they wanted to.

Hearing 4/30/96 made me break out all my old Jawbreaker albums, and wonder what else Jawbreaker could have put out if they were still together. Especially after I listened to the radio and how many bad bands are out there now (i.e. Blink 182, stained, creed, etc). This is an excellent recording of the best live band I have ever seen. If you have no prior experience with Jawbreaker's music, this is an excellent place to start. Jawbreaker made great music, this album captures only some of it. I'm glad Blake is out there again making music with Jets to Brazil, its very good, but I dont think im alone when i say, miss yah Jawbreaker. Anyway, its useless to be angry about the break up of a great band, just enjoy what they have left, this album definately helps. Check out Jets to Brazil too!

Listening to this CD hurts so good. Blake's stage banter reveals he was a man troubled by the hostility both in the city of SF and the ""punk"" "community." Those of you responsible for their break-up, you know who you are. Bastards.

Can't wait for the unreleased comp to come out.