Wussy Issue #34

Left For Dead (Shake It)

By Callye Morrissey
Published: December 1st, 2007 | 2:48pm

Wussy frontman and guitarist Chuck Cleaver tends to land in poorly named bands. First it was Cincinnati’s Ass Ponys. And now Wussy.

After garnering an over-extended indie appreciation for its first album two years ago, Wussy has emerged with a solid yet ordinary second album. Vocals are shared between Cleaver and guitarist Lisa Walker, and it is Walker’s tracks that cast over the others. While Cleaver could pass as an amateur Neil Young, Walker’s passionate, somber voice makes songs such as “Rigor Mortis” and “Millie Christine” standout tracks on the album.

At times, Left for Dead sounds like a static, slower stepchild of Sonic Youth. But don’t let that comparison fool you. Walker is no Kim Gordon and Cleaver is no Thurston Moore.

Left For Dead does deserve a chance, although it is poorly arranged. Less impressive tracks begin and end the album, but the material between is worth a listen. “Jonah” and “Melody Ranch,” both Walker tunes, are worth some praise, and the dismal yet beautiful “Tiny Spiders” finds Walker at her best, both lyrically and vocally.

Although Wussy decided to name its album with a less-than-positive phrase, it shouldn’t be taken literally. Don’t leave the band behind without giving it a listen, but only you can decide whether it should be left for dead.