Mister Night by Majority Dog: A Hidden Indie Rock Gem from 1994
If you’re into raw, unfiltered indie rock with a twist of saxophone swagger, Mister Night by Majority Dog might just be your new favorite album. Released in '94 under the radar (literally, it’s on "Not On Label"), this US-born record feels like stumbling across a secret party where everyone’s having way more fun than you. It’s scrappy, soulful, and kinda unforgettable in all the right ways.
Let’s dive into two tracks that stuck with me long after the needle lifted off the record. First up, there’s “People Look Scarier At Night.” Man, this one hits different. The bassline grooves so hard it feels like Scott Swanson is sitting right next to you, plucking strings straight outta your brain. And then—bam!—Jason Garrison’s alto sax comes wailing in like some sort of nocturnal banshee. You can almost picture cruising down an empty highway at midnight, headlights cutting through the dark while paranoia sets in. That mix of spooky vibes and punchy instrumentation? Yeah, that’s why I keep coming back.
Then there’s “Big Black Car,” which is just... wow. Brian Wurschum kills it on vocals here, delivering lines with this gruff earnestness that makes you wanna grab a beer and listen twice as hard. His guitar work has this jangly, almost messy quality that somehow works perfectly—it’s like he’s not trying too hard but still nails it every time. Plus, Laurel Hoffman’s tambourine shakes sneakily add this ghostly rhythm you don’t notice until about the third listen. By the end, you realize you’ve been tapping your foot nonstop.
The rest of the album keeps the energy going strong, whether it’s the dreamy haze of “Annie’s Dream” or the chaotic charm of “Lesbian” (yep, they went there). April Hoffman shines on backing vocals throughout, adding layers without hogging the spotlight. Jason Dalbey’s drumming locks everything together tight, even when things get a little wild. Shoutout to Mark Roum for engineering because, honestly, how did he make this sound so good without a big-label budget?
What really stands out about Mister Night is its vibe—it’s like Majority Dog didn’t care about fitting into any scene or chasing trends. They just made what felt right, and that honesty bleeds through every track. Sure, the production isn’t perfect, but who cares? Perfection would’ve ruined it anyway.
So yeah, give Mister Night a spin if you dig indie rock that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “People Look Scarier At Night” during your next late-night drive. Oh, and random thought: I bet those mandolin riffs would sound killer covered by a bluegrass band. Who’s with me?
