Org Music is probably best known for its awesome series of vinyl reissues than new music, but then again, in many ways Fitted is itself a re-issue.

Fitted First Fits (Org Music)

Not the music, but the parts. Mike Watt, Bob Lee (The Freeks), Edvard Graham Lewis and Matthew Simms (both of Wire). That's a lot of hard, quality mileage on this engine. Given the median age of the band members (I'll be kind and not print it, but the number is significantly higher than my own advanced tally), one could be forgiven for expecting a rehash of music past.

But did you see the names? When was the last time Mike Watt did something boring? Okay, some of his projects don't quite come together, but he cannot be accused to sitting still. Was Wire a band content to ply the same waters? The Freeks?

No. And so we get six lengthy explorations of rhythmic bliss and psychedelic atonal majesty. Singing? Well, there are vocals. Spoken sometimes, hollered at others (Watt and Lewis are equally adept at both). But the kinetic, propulsive nature of these songs is hypnotic. Fitted has a wide dynamic range, but these songs always move.

Yes, old people can innovate. At least, these old guys can. If you know the names, you might have an idea of where Fitted starts. But I doubt anyone could anticipate where this set goes. This is no nostalgia trip. It's a voyage situated on the the prow of the now. Play it loud and clear the floor. It's time to move.

Jon Worley