The Mice - "For Almost Ever Scooter" CD

Hats off to Scat Records for its re-issue of "For Almost Ever Scooter," which features an EP and LP of nearly overlooked recordings by The Mice.

This Cleveland-based band, led by Bill Fox (who released two solo albums on spinArt) wallowed in obscurity in the mid-'80s until now, remained a band that many spoke of, but few had actually heard.

Historically and musically, The Mice bridged the gap between the last good moments of college rock (R.E.M., The Replacements) and the beginning of the indie rock movement of bands such as Superchunk and Guided by Voices.

"For Almost Ever" was a 12" EP that boasted six killer tracks of energetic rock that come across as a mix between the Wipers' first three albums and early Superchunk. "Not Proud of the USA" is a riveting anthem while the leadoff track, "Downtown," is immediately familiar with its pounding drums, clever chord changes and a sense of urgency that conveys the sentiment that rock and roll does matter.

The "Scooter" LP features a slightly larger sound and booming production, but that doesn't detract from Fox's excellent songwriting, spirited guitar work and the band's confident pummel which sounds similar to Volcano Suns and at times taps into magical songwriting a la Robert Pollard. Highlights include the hooky "Bye Bye Kitty Cat" and "More Than I Can Talk About" which combines Ramones-esque velocity and bubblegum pop of yesteryear.

Few reissues of relatively unknown bands are this consistent in quality, let alone worth adding to one's collection. The Mice's "For Almost Ever Scooter" is definitely a must-have CD and I'm ashamed that it took me almost six months to finally get around to listening to these excellent recordings.

The Mice - "For Almost Ever Scooter" at cduniverse.com
MP3s by The Mice at Scat Records.