PortastaticSome Small History
Merge Records [2008]
Fire Drills Review:
Portastatic has always been Mac McCaughan's outlet for non Superchunk material but I don't think anyone realizes how much material he has actually released under this moniker until taking this compilation on. Some Small History is a double-disc of rarities, collecting B-sides, compilation tracks, EPs, fanzine vinyl, and previously unreleased material recorded between 1990 and 2007 that will put you in awe of what McCaughan has accomplished over the years. Portastatic will probably always remain in the shadows of Superchunk but Some Small History firmly places them into an elite category of indie bands that should not go by without notice because the effort, quality, and likability shines through here, even if it is on 2 albums worth of mostly unheard material!
Key Track: "Oh, My Sweet Carolina" (Ryan Adams Cover)
Band With Similar Fire: Pavement
Official Portastatic Website
Portastatic MySpace
-Reviewed by Reece Michael
