The Best Record of 1989: Day 16
#41 Mekons, The Mekons Rock n' Roll takes on #88 Slint's Tweez
Good morning!
Today we’re taking a look at records from Mekons and Slint
Note: As many of you know, I recently wrote about a Best Record of 1989 challenge and noted that I'd be occasionally writing some of these up.
I've started doing some quick hits of each matchup and posting them directly to the page. Some will be longer, some won’t, and some might just be a handful of sentences. There'll probably definitely be some typos.
Check 'em out and let me know your thoughts! Chin wags & hot takes welcome! Sharing and restacks are always appreciated.
KA—
Earlier this year, Mekons released their Horror LP. Reviewing the record, I commented, "A Mekons record in 2025? I can't think of a more timely release. If you're a fan of the band, it will not surprise you in the least that they're not happy with the state of the world and have some thoughts about it."
So, yeah, not much has changed in 36 (ish) years. Any record that starts with "Destroy your safe and happy lives before it is too late" has a lot to live up to, and The Mekons Rock N Roll does just that. It's a record that rails against the issues of the day, fueled by a seemingly endless supply of righteous anger. It's seething. It's cynical. It is also a helluva-sounding record. Sometimes it's okay to dance while you're throwing a brick through a wall.
Shame then that it sold almost nothing. It's not like the ingredients weren't there; they were on a decent label, put out a frankly f*cking incredible album at a time when the world (or at least the indie world, anyway) was primed for it, etc. Play "Only Darkness Has the Power," and try and tell me otherwise. Go ahead, I'll wait. They were on Twin/Tone, which meant being labelmates with Soul Asylum, The Replacements, etc. This should've been the record that put Mekons on the map and landed them a spot in all of our hearts. Instead, it was the first step in a long and winding story of what might've been. But they're still out there putting out outstanding records. Long live rock and roll. Long live Mekons.
SO! I had a whole-ass story to use as a framework for reviewing Slint's Tweez album. I was going to share the story of how an employee at my local record store used to live near one of the band members and would often see her walking her dog. I would weave that into a larger narrative about how the record store employee is an asset to any community, especially those that are open to whatever you bring up to the register (no Rob Gordons, please, and thank you!). The ones that are always happy to try and turn you on to a record based on what they already know you like and how this was probably the on-ramp to the band for countless people. It was nice—a bona fide feel-good story.
I got about 500 words into it and realized that I was thinking of Slant 6 and NOT Slint. Savvy readers probably picked up on that a while ago. I wish I had. I could've saved some keystrokes. Not only had I not been introduced to this band when they first came out, but listening now, I'm not sure it would have been my thing. I liked a lot of shit in 1989, but even I had some limits. I liked music that sounded like demolition in real-time, but I liked it with synthesizers.
Just when I'm about to check out, "Kent" comes along. It's as disjointed as anything else on the record, but here's the thing: it sounds like what was happening in every garage or house show in the country at the time. Another case of people trying to be Pavement before they existed or whoever their favorite hardcore band was. It's a jumbled mess, but that roughness is intentional. That's all well and good; we love us some character and edge. But ultimately, it all blends into itself and is as unremarkable as all of those other bands time has forgotten.
Bottom Line: In Mekons, we have a band hitting what would prove to be one of their peaks. There are a lot of underrated records from 1989. This is one of ‘em.
With Slint, we have a gumbo of all the styles that were percolating at the time. Not a bad idea, but just like a cake without just the right ingredients, it ultimately falls flat.
My vote: My bracket and vote will go to Mekons.
Any thoughts on either of these records? Agree/disagree with my takes? Which one of these would you vote for? Sound off in the comments!
Check out the full bracket here.
Info on the tourney, voting, and more is here.
As always, thanks for being here.
KA—
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Kevin — Did you see the NYT obituary today for William Langeweische, who’s died at 70 of prostate cancer? Jan
I think that is my favorite Mekons record, which is saying something. I love the Slint album for the reasons you stated, but giving Rock n Roll the edge.