The animated sound of rock outfit The Privates — a searing, snarling take on power pop often favorably compared to bands like The Walkmen — both stood out from and perfectly complemented a wealth of other bands in Music City’s music scenes in the Aughts. Unlike some other outstanding Nashville bands of the era, including JEFF the Brotherhood, Those Darlins and The Features, they never toured or really made much of an impact outside the Metro area.
Singer-guitarist Dave Paulson, guitarist and keyboardist Ryan Norris, bassist Keith Lowen and drummer Rollum Haas have all had heaps of fulfilling projects, musical and otherwise, since the band quietly wound down in 2010. They have never officially broken up. But aside from a one-off reunion in 2013 celebrating the 10th anniversary of their first show and an imaginative 2017 short film inspired by the band, there’s been little commemoration of their kickass catalog and its role in local music — so far.
However, Michael Eades’ much-loved indie YK Records — whose recent projects include a phenomenal archival release and a great reissue from the aforementioned The Features — has assembled what amounts to a Privates greatest-hits compilation. Titled We Are Really Rocking Now, Haven’t We? (after the opening song on the band’s eponymous 2004 debut), the album includes 12 fan faves from the band’s earlier releases, pressed on vinyl for the first time. It also sports two new songs, marking the first time the quartet has worked together on new material in nearly 15 years.
“Don’t Take It Out on Me” and “Old Times” bookend Really Rocking; recorded with frequent collaborator Jeremy Ferguson at his Battle Tapes studio, they stand tall next to the band’s classic work. The warp-speed “Don’t Take It Out on Me,” which reflects on what’s lost and gained as we get older, is particularly fitting to open the comp.
Check out the lyric video for “Don’t Take It Out on Me,” featuring archival footage and photos from The Privates’ original run and click on through that Bandcamp embed to preorder the album. (See also several bundle options with sweet T-shirts.) The digital version of Really Rocking lands Aug. 30, and vinyl copies are expected to ship around that time. There’s also the tantalizing note that plans are afoot for a reunion show to celebrate the release; more details to come later. Follow The Privates on Instagram and keep an eye on their website for more info.
