THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 9, 1994 TAG: 9407090050
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIMMY GNASS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
EVERY SO OFTEN a band on an independent label does the unthinkable and signs with a major label.
For the Washington, D.C., based quartet, Jawbox, their recent signing with Atlantic Records has brought some too-close scrutiny.
``People are going to think what they think,'' says Bill Barbot, guitarist of Jawbox. ``We're not ashamed about this.''
Jawbox, who will perform at Hampton's Nsect club Sunday night, welcomes the decision. The band sees the opportunity as a necessary step in its development.
Jawbox's first two albums, ``Grippe'' and ``Novelty,'' were released on Dischord Records - a label that is proudly known for disdain toward major recording labels. But there came a time when Dischord wasn't enough for Jawbox.
``Atlantic came at a time when we were maxed out on Dischord,'' says Barbot. ``Dischord is a label of limited resources, in terms of personnel, time, and money. For a period what Dischord could provide was adequate. But as we grew, we found it harder to do things we wanted to do because of those limited resources. All that withstanding, Dischord is the best independent label in the world.''
One of the drawbacks of being on Dischord was the limited distribution of product. Because Dischord is a much smaller label, its product is not generally stocked in stores.
``It was frustrating,'' Barbot says. ``People can't buy your record, just because it's not there.''
Another luxury the band was able to indulge was unlimited studio time. Unlike its last two albums, which were both recorded in less than 10 days at Inner Ear studios, the band took six weeks to record its latest disc ``For Your Own Special Sweetheart.''
Barbot said the band isn't focused on money. ``But it was because we could afford to stay there (in the studio), that we could spend the time to get everything right.''
The end results show.
At an obvious crossroads in the band's career, Jawbox challenges average punk fans by putting out a major label album that cranks with intensity. ILLUSTRATION: Jawbox recently signed with Atlantic Records.
CONCERT FACTS
Who: Jawbox, Wider and Earth Crisis
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Nsect Club, 1916 Armistead Ave., Hampton
Tickets: $9 advance; $11 at the door
Tell me more: 838-5463
by CNB