Description

Lotion – Nobody’s Cool – Vinyl Record

Nobody’s Cool is the second studio album by the American alternative rock band Lotion, released on March 26, 1996. Known for their melodic sound and intricate arrangements, Lotion built a dedicated following in the 1990s indie rock scene. This album is particularly notable for its polished production and the band’s maturation in both songwriting and musicianship.

Lotion formed in New York City in 1991 and quickly gained attention with their debut album ‘Full Isaac’ in 1994. By the time they released Nobody’s Cool, the band—comprising Bill Ferguson (vocals, guitar), Jim Ferguson (guitar), Rob Youngberg (drums), and Tony Zajkowski (bass)—had refined their sound, blending jangly guitars, catchy melodies, and introspective lyrics.

The album opens with ‘Dear Sir,’ setting the tone with its engaging melodies and lyrical introspection. Tracks like ‘Blind for Now’ and ‘Tear’ showcase Lotion’s ability to craft emotionally resonant songs with layered instrumentation and dynamic shifts. ‘I Love Me Vol. I’ stands out with its infectious chorus and upbeat tempo, while ‘No. 99’ combines intricate guitar work with a reflective narrative. The song ‘Rock Chick’ is notable for its energetic delivery and playful lyrics, adding a burst of youthful exuberance to the album.

Nobody’s Cool is perhaps the only album in rock history that is better known for its liner notes than for its music. Literary icon Thomas Pynchon is a Lotion fan, so he contributed a brief appreciative essay to this, their sophomore album. It is a testament to the group’s talent and artistry that their songs hold up alongside Pynchon’s hip, elaborate prose. Nobody’s Cool retains the densely layered sound of their debut, but it’s a tighter, more accessible set.

For ‘Rock Chick,’ the band adds kitschy-loungey touches reminiscent of the Cardigans to a typically complex song structure, then tops it all off with an electric piano outro, proving that they have more than a few tricks left up their collective sleeve. ‘Precious Tiny’ rides a glorious five-minute mess of a guitar solo into the post-modern sunset, with crashing drums, distant background vocals, and a plinking banjo for company.

Throughout Nobody’s Cool, lyrics yield meanings more readily than they do on 1994’s Full Isaac. ‘Sandra,’ for instance, is narrated by a lovelorn stalker. The result is an album that is even more memorable and engaging than its predecessor, a veritable tour de force. Fans of Galaxie 500, Hüsker Dü, My Bloody Valentine, and R.E.M. can be grateful that Lotion is around to carry the torch for forward-thinking indie rock.

Nobody’s Cool is characterized by its blend of alternative rock and indie pop, marked by thoughtful lyrics and complex musical arrangements. The production, handled by Jim Rondinelli, gives the album a clean and polished sound, highlighting the band’s tight performances and melodic strengths. Themes of self-reflection, relationships, and the complexities of growing up permeate the album, resonating with the band’s core audience.

Upon release, Nobody’s Cool received positive reviews from critics who praised its melodic sensibilities and mature songwriting. The album helped Lotion solidify their place in the 1990s indie rock landscape, and it remains a favorite among fans of the era. Lotion’s ability to balance catchy hooks with deeper lyrical content set them apart from many of their contemporaries.

Nobody’s Cool is a significant album in Lotion’s discography, showcasing the band’s growth and their knack for creating memorable, emotionally impactful music. It captures the essence of 1990s alternative rock with its blend of introspection and melodic craftsmanship, cementing Lotion’s legacy in the indie rock canon.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal

Spin ART Records 1995

Track Listing
Dear Sir
The New Timmy
The Sad Part
Rock Chick
Blind For Now
The Enormous Room
Sandra
Juggernaut
Namedropper
Dalmacia 007
Precious Tiny
Switch