Album Review: Sunny Down Snuff by Last Year's Men
Alright, let’s talk about Sunny Down Snuff, the 2010 rock gem from Last Year’s Men. If you’re into garage rock with a punky edge and some indie vibes sprinkled on top, this one’s for you. Released under Churchkey Records, it’s got that raw, unpolished charm that makes you wanna crank up the volume and forget your troubles—or maybe just scream along in your car.
First off, the band’s lineup is stacked. You’ve got Ben Carr on vocals, bringing this raspy, lived-in energy that feels like he’s telling you stories over cheap beer. Geoff Schilling’s guitar work is sharp as hell, while Ian Rose pulls double duty on drums AND as a performer (multi-tasking king right there). And don’t sleep on Nathan Golub’s pedal steel guitar—it sneaks into tracks like “Lucky Penny” and adds this unexpected twang that gives their sound an extra kick.
Now, onto the tracks. I gotta shout out “Make Me Feel Okay.” It’s the kind of song that grabs you by the collar right away. The opening riff hits hard, and Ben Carr’s voice has this desperate but catchy tone—like he’s pleading with you to feel something. There’s this moment halfway through where everything drops out except for the bass (props to Gregg Levy) and then BAM, they come roaring back in. Feels like getting punched in the gut in the best way possible.
Another standout? “Heart.” This track sticks with me because it mixes grit with melody so damn well. The lyrics are simple but hit home—something about longing and regret that feels universal without being cheesy. Plus, Spencer Lee’s backing vocals add this haunting layer that lingers long after the song ends.
The whole album’s produced by Dan McGee, who clearly knows how to keep things tight without losing the band’s rough-around-the-edges vibe. Kudos to Andy Magowan and Nick Petersen for recording this beast; it sounds crisp enough to shine but still raw enough to feel alive.
Honestly, listening to Sunny Down Snuff feels like hanging out with old friends who aren’t afraid to get real with you. It’s messy, heartfelt, and full of energy. By the time you hit “I’ll Be Gone,” you realize these guys aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they’re just doing what they do best: making music that feels honest.
Final thought? If you ever find yourself stuck in traffic or needing a pick-me-up, throw this album on. Weirdly enough, it reminds me of road trips I haven’t even taken yet. Maybe that’s why it’s stuck with me. Or maybe it’s just really good. Who knows?
