The Mother Hips have been one of the most underrated bands for years. After a brief stint on Rick Rubin’s label, American Recordings, the Bay Area quartet has had a consistent output of California soul. I’ve always wondered why these guys never get consistent airplay on a station like Chicago’s XRT who has a pretty eclectic playlist as far as terrestrial stations go. Hopefully Pacific Dust changes things.

The second tune on the album, a rocker titled “Third Floor Story,” seems to wrap up my frustrations in a very apt way. I mean for the love of God, what else do they have to do to get noticed? Everybody (myself included) is chasing the latest flavor while Tim Bluhm & Greg Loiacano continue to churn out amazing album after amazing album for 18 fucking years.

Later Days had always been my favorite Hips release but Pacific Dust now sits comfortable atop the pile. “Jess Oxox” has a nice Beatles lick in it. “Young Charles Ives” is a great ballad about a father and son’s relationship through music. “All In Favor” has that 70’s AM feel to it, and lest we forget the opening rocker “White Falcon Fuzz.” Not only is this my favorite Hips album but its one of my favorites of ‘09.

While some people will be awed by the latest technological jibber-jabber or some assclowns playing loud fuzzed up garage rock, I’ll stick with a band that continues to get better after 18 years. They’ll be in Chicago at Schuba’s on 11/20 and 11/21 with Backyard Tire Fire. We also have them scheduled for a live session.