Some Small History

Mac McCaughan retired his band Superchunk at the beginning of the century but his solo unit as Portastatic continues to soldier on without flagging in focus or intensity. This non-chronological collection of demos, covers, outtakes, and odd tracks is a nice spot to start as it highlights McCaughan’s eclectic nature and versatile talent. Dylan’s “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,” American Music Club’s “Firefly,” Prefab Sprout’s “When Love Breaks Down,” the Undertones’ “Teenage Kicks” (acoustic!), and Ryan Adams’ “Oh Sweet Carolina” are an ambitious batch of cover tunes and slot in perfectly next to McCaughan fare such as “Sandals With White Socks,” “Skinny Glasses Girl,” and “Codes, Runes, Dunes,” where his sly societal observations are given impassioned life with his ruthless delivery. McCaughan’s always been a rough jewel who leaves the edges intact and one can often hear the inner machinations at work here. It’s what gives his music extra life.

This 44-track collection from Mac McCaughan (Superchunk, Merge Records) gathers Portastatic B-sides, rarities, demos, and unreleased tunes from the last 18 years as it jumps styles, instruments, recording techniques and eras with almost each successive track.

Mac McCaughan has always been generous with his ever-growing back catalog of songs.