Superchunk Come Pick Me Up CD

Superchunk: Mac McCaughan (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Jim Wilbur (vocals, guitar); Laura Ballance (vocals, bass); Jon Wurster (vocals, drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: Jim O'Rourke (vocals); Suzanne Roberts (violin); Fred Lonberg-Holm (cello); Ken Vandermark (saxophone); Bob Weston (trumpet); Jeb Bishop (trombone); Chad Nelson, Chris Manfrin (hand claps).
Recorded at Electrical Audio Studios, Chicago, Illinois.
Personnel: Jim O'Rourke (vocals, guitar, recorder); Mac McCaughan (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Jim Wilbur (vocals, guitar); Jon Wurster (vocals, drums, percussion); Laura Ballance (vocals); Suzanne Roberts (violin); Frederick Lonberg-Holm (cello); Ken Vandermark (saxophone); Bob Weston (trumpet); Jeb Bishop (trombone); Chris Manfrin (hand claps).
Audio Mixers: Jim O'Rourke; John O'Rourke.
Recording information: Electrical Audio, Chicago, IL (03/1999).
Photographer: Claire Ashby.
Actually, here's where the strings come in. Come Pick Me Up is Superchunk's finest effort in years; a bright, infectious pop record that rejuvenates the group's trademark sound with the addition of producer Jim O'Rourke's candy-colored orchestral flourishes -- without losing sight of the music's punk roots. Tracks like "Hello Hawk," "1000 Pounds," and "Pink Clouds" achieve a perfect balance between Superchunk's patented brand of hyperkinetic indie rock and O'Rourke's avante-pop aesthetics, while drawing upon the talents of Chicago underground notables including saxophonist Ken Vandermark, trombonist Jeb Bishop, and cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm to bring galvanizing new dimensions to Mac McCaughan's memorably melodic songs. A stunning and unexpected return to form. ~ Jason Ankeny
Superchunk's ninth full-length disc is easily the most melodic, catchy, and fun disc of the band's career. Perhaps Superchunk is feeling celebratory as a result of the 10-year anniversary of its record label, Merge Records. But regardless of what inspired it, COME PICK ME UP is an unbridled onslaught of hooks and infectious phrases. Produced by Jim O'Rourke (Gastr Del Sol), this disc offers some subtle alterations to the Superchunk recipe. While some songs flaunt string and horn sections, other tracks feature a lighter, friendlier version of Mac McCaughan's endearing squeal. Instead of screaming out the high notes in his trademark fashion, McCaughan instead sings them in a gentle falsetto. It's a wonderful, rousing disc from America's flagship indie band.

9th Rel

Rolling Stone (9/2/99, p.112) - 3 1/2 stars (out of 5) - "...[Superchunk's] as interested in micromanaging their sounds as in rocking out, which makes COME PICK ME UP improve as you turn it up..."
Alternative Press (10/99, p.107) - 4 out of 5 - "...The magic's still there, and there's even a few new tricks."
Magnet (8-9/99, p.91) - "...COME PICK ME UP may not be the masterpiece overeager fanboys expected...but it's a worthy addition to the impressive catalog of a band with few peers."
NME (Magazine) (8/14/99, p.33) - 7 out of 10 - "...pure pop moments...proving that they haven't lost the gift of brevity....the new Superchunk - slick, not slack - have attained a dignity that the likes of Mudhoney have long since lost."