So We Go

If you can picture a collaboration between Big Star and Matthew Sweet, chances are it would sound quite similar to the Hang Ups' second full-length release, So We Go. Brian Tighe sings in the required hushed, breathy style set by his jangle-rock predecessors, and his vocals are what often bring out the songs' melodic catchiness. And the rest of the band (who stick to the no-frills guitars/bass/drums format, with organ or piano added here and there) prove to be masters at creating the dream-pop sound. The group creates an impressive, vast soundscape on the track "Walkin' Around" (especially the guitar solo that ends the song), as well as happy pop songs like "Top of Morning" and R.E.M.-esque '80s alternative (the title track). But the album's highlight is definitely "Jump Start (Never Will Forget This)," which is used in the movie Chasing Amy. The track originally appeared on their '93 debut, but resides here in a remixed form, and is an unlisted bonus track at the end of the record. An underrated, solid sophomore effort, which would definitely be appreciated by lovers of introspective pop compositions.