Strapping Fieldhands

Gobs on the Midway collects together the torrential seven-inch output of this overlooked indie rock band. Years after their mid '90s burst of activity, Strapping Fieldhands remain truly unique -- there simply have never been many rock bands whose specialty was writing sea shanties. The Fieldhands' frothy grog of noisy psyche pop is informed by an Incredible String Band-level of dedication and Procul Harum pomp hooks. It may ultimately be something of a novelty, but it all sounds so good. "Albacore Heart," "Stacey Donnelly," "Mystery Girl" – these are great songs.