The Coathangers

Add Date: May 31 

Artist: The Coathangers 

Album: Larceny & Old Lace 

Label: Suicide Squeeze 

Genre: Rock 

Comments: Atlanta quartet The Coathangers originally made a name for themselves almost purely on energy: their noisy tunes and punk-rock sneer earned them tour dates opening for bands like The Thermals and Mika Miko, as well as a record deal with Suicide Squeeze. But on Larceny & Old Lace, The Coathangers seem to be developing their identity as a band.

The energy and the loudness haven't gone away completely--not even close, as evidenced on excellent lead single (and, alas, radio-unfriendly) "Hurricane" and the noise-rock standout "Johnny". But we also find the band trying its hand at girl-group pop ("Go Away"), post-punk ("Trailer Park Boneyard") and even a rock and roll ballad ("Tabbacco Rd."). For the most part, this experimentation is successful--as it turns out, these girls have the musicianship to match their swagger.

Start with tracks 3, 2, 7 and 11.