This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
With their yelpy vocals, caffeinated punky jangle and staunch DIY ethic, Chapel Hill, N.C.’s Superchunk all but defined the ’90s indie-rock era. So whaddaya do for an encore?
Well, for their first album of the new millennium, Superchunk have redefined themselves — they’ve decided to grow up. Here’s to Shutting Up is indeed an ode to a quieter, less stressful life, with the band reining in their rockin’ horses and settling down for a comfortable, poppy ride. Sweet strings and squiggly keyboards, intelligent lyrics and lower-key vibes dominate these 10 tuneful tracks, most of which are commercial enough not to sound out of place on your FM dial. Those who miss the old days will have to make do with the raggedly surging pop-punk of Rainy Streets and Art Class; the rest of us can shut up, sit back and listen as Superchunk redefine indie-rock for today’s world.
