Murder City Devils - R.I.P.

The MCD tale is - unfortunately – an all-too familiar one. Band comes out with a raw sound adding new flavors to past rock tradition; releases a scant few discs to a small yet rabid fanbase; and implodes almost as quickly as they appeared, just before their sound gains more mainstream acceptance. I have no doubt that the Murder City Devils would have been associated with the recent “new rock revival” were they around just a little bit longer. Their mix of old-school dirt (organs, a vaguely rockabilly aesthetic) and punk energy was wonderfully combustible, and it’s unfortunate that johnny-come-latelies reaped the rewards of press attention and increased exposure instead, simply by being at the right place at the right time. R.I.P. captures the band at their bittersweet peak, commemorating an entire farewell concert at the Showbox Theater in Seattle. The live recording is both blessing and curse; the extremely drunken mayhem (missed lyrics, flubbed notes, ‘tween-song rambles and shout-outs) might not convince virgin listeners of MCD’s greatness, but fans can appreciate the ragged live sound as more than apropos for a collection of tunes about busted hearts and broken faces. From “Rum to Whiskey” to “Press Gang,” the Devils thrash with conviction and more than a little bit of audible regret. A more-than-fine epitaph, R.I.P. stands as a testament to one of the more innovative and powerful groups of the late 90s. Hopefully, it will entice newbies to check out the band’s fine studio recordings like In Name and Blood; yet even if it only reminds existing fans of Murder City’s legacy, the disc can consider it’s job well-done. Nail that to the door. [www.subpop.com]