Knoxville, Tennesee’s Superdrag is the most underrated band of the ‘90s (and possibly of all time); so, so sorry Jellyfish. While most know the alternative rock/power pop group for their blistering and catchy minor-hit single “Sucked Out” and probably not much more. The band released A LOT of other songs in the form of five studio albums, compilations, EPs, live tracks, B-sides, demos, rarities, and more. For the sake of this piece, we strictly ranked their five LPs; nerds, pine away.
5. Industry Giants (2009)
Reunion records are tough, as time off from a (sometimes well-deserved) hiatus can bring out the very, very good gems or the brutally, brutally ugly stinkers of a recently reformed act. Luckily, it is difficult for frontman and chief songwriter John Davis to write a bad hook, so the worst Superdrag LP is better than most bands’ best efforts. Screw off, Rembrandts. Anyway, it’s quite sad that the band’s swan song effort went out with a whimper. Hopefully, they try to cut another album, or with any luck they don’t; whatever.
Play it again: “Slow to Anger”
Skip it: “You’re Alive”
4. Last Call for Vitriol (2002)
“Last Call for Vitriol,” Superdrag’s final album before the band’s hiatus in 2003 has some solid gems like their beloved sleeper track “Feeling Like I Do,” but it’s an overall inconsistent listen front-to-back. The album starts off super strong with “Baby Goes to 11” but rolls into eleven tracks that woefully take the listener on an overly frenetic ride. Luckily the next three records listed have no filler whatsoever and are extremely re-listenable.
Play it again: “Feeling Like I Do”
Skip it: “Stu”
3. Regretfully Yours (1996)
This bronze metal slot for the band’s debut LP “Regretfully Yours” may shock both casual and hardcore fans of the band, but the silver and gold medal winners listed below are simply (much or slightly) better; nostalgia is a hell of a drug, and y’all need to sober up. Admittedly, the band’s debut and only radio semi-smash “Sucked Out” is a perfect single (and an incredible combination of sweet and sour). If you wish that The Beatles and The Kinks used more bass-heavy, fuzzy, and slightly dissonant distortion, then this record has your name written all over it. If you don’t wish the same, then this record is for you as well as it is undeniable in the best way ever; suckers.
Play it again: “Cynicality”
Skip it: “Garmonbozia”
2. In the Valley of Dying Stars (2000)
Superdrag kicked off the century with a stripped-down and back-to-basics record that counterbalanced the lush album (just you wait) mentioned next. “I want to rock and roll, but I don’t want to deal with the hassle” is one of the most bitter and biting opening lines to ANY album, and we’re all here for it (and the subsequent rock-age that happens immediately afterward). Palm muted power chords rule, fam. Plus, the gorgeous and haunting masterpiece “Unprepared” might be the band’s best song in its extensive and incredible catalog; if you disagree gimme animosity.
Play it again: “Unprepared”
Skip it: “Bright Pavilions”
1. Head Trip in Every Key (1998)
The late and great Jerry Finn (producer of incredible albums by Blink-182, AFI, and many, many more) helped shape and visualize thirteen tracks to perfection on the band’s sophomore effort “Head Trip in Every Key.” Often appearing on many snooty hipster writers that try too hard to be cool’s best-of-album lists, this record is truly, truly deserving of such. Well played, snobs. The album was a big-budget project, and it certainly sounds like such in a non-contrived way from start to finish. In closing, the many tracks and instruments on each song make the band sound huge as fuck, and we would’ve killed to see this masterpiece played with a full symphony in 1998 (or now; bros, it’s the 25th anniversary of the album this year).
Play it again: “I’m Expanding My Mind”
Skip it: Dude, don’t fucking skip shit. Dumbass.