The first and only release by Cap'n Jazz,
Burritos, Inspiration Point, Fork Balloon Sports, Cards In The Spokes, Automatic Biographies, Kites, Kung Fu, Trophies, Banana Peels We've Slipped On and Egg Shells We've Tippy Toed Over (Schmap'n Schmazz for short) was released in 1994 to almost no fanfare. However, by the time word spread, the record was out of print and Cap'n Jazz had broken up. Most people are familiar with this album as the first 12 tracks on the anthology
Analphabetapolothology, which is much easier to find.
The first thing I noticed about this album, is that childish themes and lyrics dominate the record, evident in song titles such as "Little league" and "Puddle Splashers" and in the playful melodies and nature of Kinsella's singing. The guitar work across the album is light and nimble, but heavy when it needs to be (such as on
Basil's Kite, which is probably the best track).
On the flip-side, Kinsella is able to change his voice for whatever the mood. In the case of
Little League he goes from singing a juvenile sing-song, to screaming in the reprise of the song. The intensity of this moment is one of my favourites in emo music, and leaves a very good impression on one who is listening to the album for the first time.
One of the most serious moments on the album comes in
Flashpoint Catheter, a song featuring a sincere, soft guitar line, carried by bass and light drumming, which builds to a heavy beat towards the end. Kinsella's voice here is strained and emotional, off-putting for some, beautiful for others. The climax of the song demonstrates the excellent musicianship between the members, and in particular, the integrity of the drummer Mike (brother of Tim, the main singer) who throws fills in and improvises lightly, only to later have the song carry on his shoulders with a steady beat holding together the other parts to the track.
However, the album is let down for a brief minute with the track Bluegrassish, an irritating interlude separating two great tracks,
Basil's Kite and
Planet Shhh. While some people feel that the track is necessary to divide the album up, I personally feel that it does not add anything useful, and is obvious filler.
Despite that, Schmap'n Schmazz is an outstanding LP, showcasing a band who were more notable for the subsequent bands they formed (Promise Ring, Joan of Arc), and for providing a name to the shit-tacular Scary Kids Scaring Kids. It is an album that demonstrates excellent dynamics between the members of the band, and Tim Kinsella's powerful, sometimes off-putting voice.
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