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Slint, "Tweez"
Touch and Go records, rereleased: 1993
Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Slint recorded this, their first release in 1987, and as the cover proudly states, "This recording is meant to be listened to on vinyl" -- I presume that explains the lack of song info on my CD reissue. Tweez opens with some very "Big Black" sounding guitar work, plenty harsh. Vocals fluctuate between spoken and screamed delivery. All this plus the occasional tracks jazz style drumming and you've got some very good listening.  
 
Slint, "Spiderland"
Touch and Go records, released: 1991
This second offering (and likewise vinyl intended recording) steps beyond the often derivative Big Black sound of Tweez and establishes Slint's own style. The album opens strongly with "Breadcrumb Trail" featuring a gentle harmonic guitar line, breaking into a full-on chorus. A fairly standard technique but definitely one that Slint owns. The recording closes with "Good Morning, Captain", I love the way this song mixes things up. A word of warning, when you first listen to this recording you may be tempted to turn up the volume a wee bit too much during the quiet periods -- Slint can turn on you at the most unpredictable times and have you scrambling to tear your headset away from your bleeding ears.
[RGA 5/17/96]