In reading the Game Theory vs. Loud Family discussion
here, it really has struck me that you tend to fall
most in love with what you hear first.  My initial
experience with Miller's oeuvre was the Loud Family's
'Plants & Birds & Rocks & Things,' and in my opinion,
nothing before or after has come close.  I felt like
there were diminishing returns on each subsequent
Louds record, and when I went back to investigate Game
Theory, I found the thin, 80s production really hard
to ignore.  Overall, I still think PABARAT has the
strongest set of songs done in the most interesting
way, and with the most appropriate production.  It's
among my top five albums of the 1990s, in fact.

Man, what killer pop songs!  Last Honest Face, Jimmy
Still Comes Around, Areodeliria, Slit My Wrists, 
Inverness, Take Me Down, the Second Grade
Applauds...the whole album is just great!  I like the
weird little experimental moments too.  Rather than
being distracting, I feel like they hold the album
together, forcing the listener to hear it as one piece
(despite all the amazing songs I list above, which can
easily stand alone).

I've tried to get into Lolita Nation, as all its
reviews make it sound most like the Game Theory era's
equivilant to PABARAT.  It definitely is my favorite
GT album, but the fact that it's so hard to get your
hands on has made it more difficult for me -- the only
copy I could find without paying $50 or so was on
cassette, so obviously I don't listen to it that much!

Also, I've always thought it was a shame that Miller
for so self-conscious about his voice.  Never did an
interview go by when he didn't mention it
apologetically.  I've got two signed Loud Family
relics - a set list from 1993, and a photo from 1998,
and on both he's written something like:  "Thanks for
coming out to see us, Shawn.  Sorry my voice was so
challenging!"

Finally, I saw half a dozen Loud Family shows, and
they never disappointed - always fun and engaging. 
Miss them!

--Shawn



		
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