Wannabes Decade of Moral Fumbles 1990-1999 (Plethorazine)

Wannabes

Decade of Moral Fumbles 1990-1999 (Plethorazine)

The Wannabes have long been one of Austin's most stalwart and dependable bands, always good for a night of Shiner Bock-infused pop hooks and well-studied barroom rock acrobatics. On nights when escaping the emotional tedium of work, school, or lost love is essential, the 'Bes' melancholy crunch fosters a strange but real sense of belonging not unlike the hallowed promise of Eighties indie-rock. Decade of Moral Fumbles covers the band's past by featuring all 10 tracks from their acclaimed 1990 cassette release, Lucky Pierre, while also unveiling nine recent songs and five grab-bag tracks from throughout their decade-long existence. Lucky Pierre is essential listening for anyone trying to understand the Wannabes' ability to bring both pop purists and drunk rockers into the same tent. The band's newer songs, on the other hand, pack a wizened punch that can only be earned by following dreams for years in the face of indifference. "On the Business of Being Young" may be one of the best commentaries ever on what it means to give up middle class security in favor of playing music for peanuts, and "How I Paid for My Vacation" recasts debt-ridden shoestring touring as a sort of rock star fantasy camp. The Wannabes are definitely a product of the recession-era slacker ethos, and tunes like "Today Was Another Defeat" may sound a bit antiquated to anyone who can't remember life in Austin before the tech boom. But everything that goes up must come down, and when unhappy days are here again, the band's Decade of Moral Fumbles will make plenty of stein-swinging sense.