Mission of Burma Album: “Obliterati”

Just got this today. I was a big fan of their last album and saw them on tour in 2004. After a few listens (and any Mission of Burma albums requires a few to settle in), this is an amazing album. They are still masters of the unexpected, and find ways to incorporate tuneful, even funky (Nicotene Bomb on last album, Donna Sumeria on this one) elements into their crunchy noise. Roger Miller has an instantly recognizable guitar sound, but what's crazy is that Clint's style is almost as instantly recognizable, no small feat for a bass player. I'm not happy that they didn't include lyrics in the album insert, but I'm sure they can be found somewhere. If you are a MOB fan, you will be happy for several weeks after getting this -- I give this album two more days until I think it's better than Vs. Of all the 80s reunion bands (Gang of Four, Pixies et al) MOB are by far the most alive.

Album rips from start to finish. Less directionless tunes than Vs. Drums are always intense and interesting as in the opener "2wice." MOB is the Cream of art-punk, losing some of the textured shredery for a fresh live dynamic. MOB also tactfully rediscovers previously charted relevance in a neo-Regean American social landscape. Say "The Obliterati" whenever you find yourself in a discussion of old rock hacks reuniting ie Blondie and The New Cars.

Well, I have to admit, that while I heard MOB was doing a reunion show, I was not able to attend and at the time of this purchase, I was unaware that OnoffOn was released in 2004 (which is also a strong effort). To be honest, I guess I had kind of forgotten about/neglected the whole MOB reunion thing. In fact, I wasn't even aware that the Obliterati was released until I recently came across it at the store. I must be out of touch with some of my music news. I was disappointed with myself. Anyway, being a big fan of the all of old MOB, I had to get it. At the same time, there was also the shadow of doubt that said, "Hmmm, could this be bad?" because so much time has gone by and often times these types of reunion things can go wrong (had I of heard OnoffOn, I wouldn't have doubted this release). However, I've always felt that MOB played music that was timeless and always interestingly written and arranged. So I was excited to hear what they did in 2006.

From the opening track "2wice" I was extremely pleased and the pleasure only grew with each track. I could not believe how true to MOB it sounded. That driving, engaging guitar, the rumbling bass, backed by the frantic banging percussion of Prescott, all topped with the emotionally charged chants, rants, and howls of Clint and Roger. I still cannot believe how much it sounds like the old MOB. It's like these past twenty plus years didn't even happen. For a second, I was like, "wait, is this some un-released album after VS. that they just now gathered and released?" I must say, this record is very impressive. I guess I should have just wrote that and been done with it.

All things said, get this album. If you're new to MOB, you should be no longer. If you're not, you'll be immersed even further.

They can still put out amazing studio albums and double bonus, they finally learned to play live. I heard them do most of this cd at Irving Plaza in New York and it was great. The old stuff sounded pretty good as well. Buy the cd and if you get a chance go see them.

Delete your Beatles albums off your iPod to make room for this one. Truly one of the greatest rock-n-roll albums ever made. I recommend listening to Obliterati at least 100 times before doing your review. The music is sublimely complex. There are more surprises in every listen that will show you that Burma is the master of their craft. Plus they are on fire. Play it loud, play it soft, just play it over and over.