The Furlongs lone LP 2300 Ward, had the distinction of being the first record to bear the Alias label imprint. Alias would later go on to releasing scads of albums/eps by bands like Small 23, Archers of Loaf, and the Loud Family, but as far as this post is concerned I suppose this is irrelevant. Even if you're a rabid aficionado of '80s college rock, the Furlongs are not likely to come as a revelation, but this album is consistently satisfying, if a tad less than inspired. Traces of such contemporaries as The Replacements, Soul Asylum, and the Nils waft about, particularly on the brisk and gritty "Name No Names," and "In Flight." Elsewhere, there's just enough jangle to encourage a scan of the album credits in expectation of seeing Mitch Easter on the roll call, but for better or worse, he had nary a hand in this affair.
Yes, the sleeve is a bit daft, even in person. A more artful motif, and full color instead of black and white could have made all the difference, perhaps in album sales as well. Don't let this scare you off though. Still, I have to wonder if 20 years after the fact, if this trio is having a healthy, collective laugh at it.
01. Bed She Made
02. Daddy's New Car
03. See You
04. Fatal Smile
05. On the Water
06. Speak No Evil
07. Look It Up
08. Happy All the Time
09. Everything You Say
10. Name No Names
11. Hide in Plain Sight
2 comments:
I still own a coveted vinyl copy of this album. Great band!! Saw them live in 1988 in San Luis Obispo, CA.
I was feeling nostalgic and searching for bands I played on my college radio (KTEQ - Rapid City, SD) show in the late 80's, and came upon this website.
2300 Ward was one of my favorite albums - played the hell out of it.
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