Now that I’ve digested this album a few more times, its brilliance strikes me sideways. The lyrics are as smart, if not smarter, than Resolve. Not as heartfelt to be sure, but not meant to strike that particular chord. The title is deceptively acute: this is the sort of music that one’s older brother would listen to. I am the older brother in my nuclear family. Works for me.

But the nostalgic feel of the work stands on its feet solidly. It makes me think about the fuck ups and good times of my life following highschool. If I want to remember highschool I’ll listen to early AFI or Anti-Flag (Tearing Everyone Down, anyone?). And I think that’s what this album is targeted at: the experiences of one’s early twenties. When your still struggling to figure out what your supposed to do with any measure of freedom.

So I stand by my determination that Hoss is my favorite Lagwagon album, but this could be one of the better albums of the year.

4/5

Related posts:

1. Music Review: Lagwagon – I think my older brother used to listen to Lagwagon
2. Music Review: Portishead – Third
3. Music Review: Galactic – From the Corner to the Block
4. Music Review: Anti-Flag – The Bright Lights of America
5. Music Review: Propagandhi – Supporting Caste