JIM SHORTS “Eternal” (Trash Dog Records)




What do you get when you combine garage/trash rock with power pop sensibilities? Jim Shorts. This guy (Jim Shorts is David Haynes) has more hooks than you can shake a stick at.  The tape kicks into gear with “Christine”, an original that could well be a single were it not for the muddy, vocal-buried production that is prevalent throughout this tape. The side does well for itself with hook after hook, song after song so consistent that by half way through you’ve come to expect nothing less.

Alas, the flip side is not the same deal. Don’t get me wrong, the hooks are there, just not the same quality as those that graced the first side. In any event, it’s a very good contribution by an extremely talented writer.

Apparently Haynes did everything here except artwork and mastering (Emily Jean and Zach Ramsey.) The release is a 75 unit run, mine was signed and comes in standard jewel box with j-card insert and a small credit sheet.

I can’t help but wonder what a band and, more importantly, a producer, would do for this release-or his next. Great effort regardless.

-- Bob Zilli