148. Jim Wilbur Discusses The Triffids, Born Sandy Devotional

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Superchunk guitarist Jim Wilbur joins Al and introduces him to The Triffids’ 1986 album Born Sandy Devotional. Jim talks about how he first heard the album when he was a college DJ, which tracks he gravitated towards and why he still listens to the album now. He and Al compare their impressions regarding both the album’s music and lyrics. Jim also discusses what’s in store for Superchunk in the coming months, including the Merge 35 Festival.

Keep up with Superchunk on Merge Records' website! https://www.mergerecords.com/artist/superchunk

Also be sure to check out their music on Bandcamp: https://superchunk.bandcamp.com/

Al is on Bluesky at @almelchior.bsky.social. This show has accounts on Instagram and Threads at @youmealbum. Subscribe for free to You, Me and An Album: The Newsletter! https://youmealbum.substack.com/

1:16 Jim joins the show

2:01 Jim talks about discovering Born Sandy Devotional as a college DJ

4:31 The album almost defies description

7:40 Jim hears all of the album’s songs as relating to a single character

10:00 Jim talks about the connection between the Triffids and Nick Cave

11:49 Jim and Al make note of the lighter and darker sides of Born Sandy Devotional

14:57 Jim explains how the album reminds of him where he grew up

16:58 Jim talks about what it was like to DJ at a small college radio station

19:54 Jim recalls some other bands he played as a DJ

21:26 Jim extols the merits of listening to the album straight through

Discussion of specific tracks

23:19 The Seabirds

27:14 Tarrilup Bridge

30:00 Lonely Stretch

33:44 Life of Crime

35:10 Stolen Property

37:27 Jim shares his perspective on the role of David McComb’s lyrics

39:32 Jim talks about what gives Born Sandy Devotional a timeless quality

41:57 Jim’s relationship with rock music has changed over time

43:47 Jim explains why he likes to listen to classical music

45:36 Jim talks about David McComb’s difficult life

48:19 Jim recommends some other Triffids albums to check out

50:14 Al was surprised to see that Born Sandy Devotional was produced by Gil Norton

51:43 Jim provides an update on Superchunk’s upcoming recording and tour plans

Outro music is from “Everybody Dies” by Superchunk.

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