emotional baggage handler reviews

“Familiar alt-riffs accompanied by garage rock sensibilities and production
values dot Emotional Baggage Handler, an approach particularly apparent on
“Don’t Let Them Bury Me in a Suit,” which motors with a primal urgency akin
to Crazy Horse. The rollicking and tender title track reminds the listener
of one of those great rock-and-roll songs that you’ve heard a million times
before, but that still brings a smile to your face every time you do. As
Jeff Schuller resignedly sings, “I look better blurry / we all look better
blurry,” with guitars ringing in the distance while slowly building to a
fever pitch, you begin to feel his pain. We’ve all been there before.”
– Mark Oberg, Ripsaw News (Duluth)

vaya con carne reviews

“Cleverly labeled the Short Attention Span Series, the first four-song (sic) EP, “Vaya con Carne,” recorded with Rank Stranger Mike Wisti at Albatross Studios, is an addicting batch of distorted, guitar-fueled pop rockers that build anticipation for the second and third installments.”
– Amy Carlson, Pioneer Press

“This is truly great Minneapolis rock. Snotty vox and loud guitars strum out jerky tunes that are reminiscent of early ‘Mats records without sounding plagiaristic/predictable. Jeff Schuller (guitar/vocals) can really write a tune as well. I haven’t heard lyrics this wry in a long time. Jump up and down people, and get yourself some U Joint, or catch them live at a seedy bar near you. Better yet, do both. Your butt will thank you for the shimmy-shaking. I can’t wait to hear the next two EPs!”
– Archie Rex, demorama.com
(Note: Demorama named the disc to their “Kickers of Ass” list. An honor, indeed.)

let’s get deep reviews

“When I first beheld U Joint a couple years ago at the Terminal Bar, my interest was piqued by their no-nonsense punk garage rock with leanings toward the MC5 and just about any other band who employs the “throw yer head back and wail” ethos. Their latest mission, however, is less seek-and-destroy and more seek-and-discover; their magazines full of a much-improved (broadened) guitar sound.”
– Donny Doane, Pulse

“Sounding somewhere between Screaming Trees, Crazy Horse and Tim-era ‘Mats. It’s another fine Mike Wisti production.”
– Chris Riemenschneider, Star Tribune

“They start off with the cleverly titled “Out Through the In Door,” which sets the tone with mid-tempo, driving beat with somewhat poppy but not too much so melodies, and just the right amount of distortion on the guitars. In “Secondhand Shirt,” they sing ‘Hey, do you like Bob Mould? I know you know I know you know I know you feel old,’ but they make it feel brand new.”
– Brian Staker, SLUG Magazine (Salt Lake)

u joint (self-titled) reviews

“U Joint rocks! Bluesy yet punky. Poppy without rotting your teeth.”
– T. Alexander, Pulse

“I actually like this effort. The drums lock tight with the guitar and bass on the second song, “King of the Dirt Tracks.” That’s a cool thing. The third song, “Tailgating Asshole,” has a lazy, loping feel at first, with the vocals sounding like Todd Rundgren’s “I Went to the Mirror” (from Something/Anything), and then takes off with the lyrics telling the tale of driving adventure. Another cool thing. Overall, the lyrics are interesting, and the music serves them well. These guys are definitely worth a listen.”
— Gerhard Vogel, demorama.com

web postings (we swear it wasn’t us, our friends or our moms)

“Saw these guys at the Terminal last night. They kicked ass. They used the term punkabilly to describe themselves. Whatever it is, it’s cool.”
— J, posted on the musicscene.org website

“Everyone should experience a band like U Joint. They keep your attention with complex melodies and have some cool tone also. If you have a chance to see them, go for it.”
— random posting on the musicscene.org website

“Yep, U Joint is cool. If you like the punk/pop/rockabilly combo, see this 3 piece.”
— random posting on the musicscene.org website