The Other Palm Springs

The 1997 debut by Austin, TX, pop/rock band Silver Scooter instantly garnered the band attention from around the indie rock world with its simple and energetic jangle rock. Led by Scott Garred's deadpan vocals and playful guitar work, the disc kicks off with the lively "Tractor Pull." The fresh blend of almost punkish instrumentation and intelligent lyrics almost immediately attracted a diverse audience. The catchy and frantic pace of "Regret Sets In" is quickly followed by a more relaxed mood on "Good Man Down," "Riverbed," and "Catching Fish." That laid-back sound can be found on most of the songs by Garred's solo project, Super XX Man. Fuzz-heavy guitars and pounding drums resurface on "Pumpkin Eyes." The pace continually ebbs and flows throughout the disc, as bassist John Hunt and drummer Tom Hudson provide a solid rhythm section for Garred's brooding guitar. The punk-pop sound of the band is most evident on "Solid Glass," a rollicking song full of compelling and exciting changes. It is followed by the most contemplative song of the group, "10 PM on Saturday Night." In the end, the disc is a solid debut, chronicling Silver Scooter's tight and inventive music with Garred's dedicated and thoughtful vocals. The band's Southern charm is evident throughout. The album was produced by Dave McNair at Baylor Street Studios. Sarah Dougher of Cadallaca and later of the Crabs appears on backing vocals on "Regret Sets In."