Album cover video:

I know that playing the “which album is best” game in regards to a mostly forgotten band is something of a fool’s errand. You’re unlikely to provoke any debate. Furthermore, since this blog has a decidedly small (almost singular) batch of readers, I accept that I’m largely pouring words into the void here. If anyone ever reads this, it will be years after I write it. I am comfortable with this.

Perhaps its because its the first Guadalcanal Diary album that I owned or perhaps its a genuine reflection of the record’s quality, but I am of the firm belief that their third album, 1987′s 2 X 4 is not only Guadalcanal Diary’s finest hour, its one of the finest hours of 80′s rock. It may even be producer Don Dixon’s finest hour – and that puts it up against some pretty stiff competition.

The album opens with “Litany (Life Goes On)”, one of the most gorgeous, rocking-est, inspiring songs released that decade. Ringing guitars (this is what jangle rock sounds like), huge power chords, soaring vocals and rhythm work (especially from drummer John Poe) that you will want to sing along with. I am not kidding.

Poking around the Internet, I’m very pleased to find that I am not alone in my high opinion of this tune.

You’ll note that there was an official video for this song if you click on that last link, but that it was taken down years ago by Viacom. Nice work, guys. Make it even harder for an obscure band from 20 years ago to be heard again.

Anyhow, I know people don’t often to their old ever-lovin’ Uncle Joey all that often when he recommends a song, but do yourself a favor and listen to this one at as high a volume as you can stand. This is rock.