Fresh Cuts Guitar Center Employees: A Rock Album That’s… Well, Fresh-ish (2009)
Let’s cut to the chase—Fresh Cuts Guitar Center Employees is one of those albums that sneaks up on you like an overeager salesperson at a music store. Released in 2009 by a bunch of talented folks who probably know their way around a fretboard better than most, this rock compilation feels less like a cohesive album and more like a jam session where everyone brought their A-game but forgot to agree on a theme. It’s raw, unpolished, and kinda charming in its own messy way.
The genre? Rock. But not just any rock—it’s the kind of rock that makes you wanna grab a guitar, even if you’ve never played one before. The label? Not On Label. Which honestly sounds like something my buddy would say after forgetting the name of his own band’s record company. And it hails from the US, because where else are you gonna find people this obsessed with six strings and power chords?
Now, let’s talk tracks. There are some real gems here, but two stood out enough to make me hit replay (and maybe spill coffee on my desk). First up: “The Diamond Studded King.” This track hits hard right outta the gate, all swagger and riffs sharp enough to cut glass—or at least your self-esteem if you’re trying to play along. I mean, whoever wrote this clearly had dreams of being both rich and edgy, which is a vibe I can get behind. The solo? Chef’s kiss. It’s the kind of thing that makes you wanna grow your hair long and buy leather pants—even if you’re balding and pushing 40.
Then there’s “Wasted Daylight,” which might as well be the soundtrack for every time I’ve procrastinated writing something important. It’s moody, atmospheric, and somehow manages to sound both lazy and urgent at the same time. Like, dude, pick a lane! But seriously, the lyrics stick with you, even though they’re vague enough to apply to pretty much anything. Lost love? Missed deadlines? Forgetting what day it is? Yeah, this song covers all that. Props to whoever sang it—they sound like they’ve been through some stuff, and I respect that.
Other notable mentions include “Romeo and Juliet” (not the Dire Straits cover, thankfully) and “Bill Collector,” because nothing screams rock ‘n’ roll quite like dodging debt collectors while shredding on your Stratocaster. Oh, and “Game Has Changed”—which ironically hasn’t aged super well, but hey, points for effort.
So yeah, Fresh Cuts Guitar Center Employees isn’t perfect. Some songs feel unfinished, others veer off into territory so experimental you wonder if someone accidentally hit Record during soundcheck. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. It’s like flipping through a sketchbook full of half-finished drawings—messy, unpredictable, and oddly inspiring.
Final thought: If this album were a person, it’d be that guy at the party who tells great stories but keeps interrupting himself to tune his guitar. You wouldn’t want him around all the time, but once in a while, he’s exactly what you need.
Oh, and fun fact—I’m pretty sure the drummer stole my parking spot last week. Coincidence? Probably. But still, worth mentioning.
