Christie Front Drive.

Many of you have probably heard me fawn over these guys many a time, whether the music, the anti-corporate ethics, or what-be-it. But I've decided to put it down in writing.

Let us start with a short backstory. CFD formed in 1993, released two full LPs, a handful of splits (including one with Jimmy Eat World I'll talk about more in depth later), and broke up. They never were (still aren't) very popular outside a very small group. But those who are familiar with them will not deny they were one of, if not the, finest emo band ever.

The first LP, self-titled, is six songs long, and each one is a gem. The last three, in my opinion, are especially exquisite. It's difficult to describe what it sounds like, but basically, wow. It is not for the average listener, though. The sound quality is awful, and the vocals melt into the song - the fan site has had a long standing section where fans can attempt to decipher the lyrics, and so far, the attempts have not quite succeeded. The best way to look at it is to view the vocals as primarily an instrument, and be glad when you can understand what's said. The musicianship isn't even that stupendous - Mogwai and Explosions In The Sky do a much better job of conveying emotions with music. But somewhere in the mix, the whole thing comes together to make some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard.

So now on from the music to the ethics. Here, I want to discuss the split LP they did with Jimmy Eat World in 1995. A rep from Capitol Records got a hold of it, and basically thought the same thing I did about them. He offered them big bucks to sign with Capitol, and they...refused! It is hard to describe how much it means that they refused to sign with a huge label like that. They've basically ended up working in Wendy's for the rest of their lives, but they have their cred intact! As for Jimmy Eat World? The rep flipped over the LP, gave them a listen, gave them a call, and they signed on. And you've heard of them, haven't you?