90s Jams #46: Jawbox "Savory" (1994)

1994 was a tough year for Dischord. Shudder to Think and Jawbox left the dogmatic punk label for majors. Against the prevailing wisdom, both crafted masterpieces. Sonically, "Savory" reflects Jawbox's tense and uncertain midstream position. It's beautiful and bruising, minimal and massive. The bludgeoning riffs, with their controlled feedback and swerving bass, threaten to judder apart, while the lyrics are jaded koans. But when Robbins raises that cry before the guitars dive-bomb into infernal blues, his fervor is palpable. - Pitchfork http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7850-the-top-200-tracks-of-the-1990s-150-101/3/

I'll take it. I was unable to locate the live version from 120 Minutes which blew me away once upon a time, and was my first experience with "Savory." Also of note: The outstanding collaborative cover version by Far & Deftones...