Super XX Man

This post is going to sound a lot like the one below it about Destroyer. That's because Super XX Man shares a lot of factoids with Destroyer. Both are one-man bands that started ten years ago in the Pacific northwest and released new albums this spring. The difference is that Super XX Man is more acoustic while Destroyer is more electric.

Super XX Man, besides being a dopey nom de plume, is actually Scott Garred of Portland, OR. Over the last decade, he's been putting out albums and naming them with roman numerals (he should get to know the gang from ¡Forward, Russia! which name all of their songs with numbers). He's now up to X which came out in April and is sort of a tribute album and greatest hits album rolled into one. Garred is basically paying tribute to his catalog by reworking his favorite tunes. So, it's a good place to start exploring Super XX Man's sound if you aren't already familiar with him.

His new version of "Collecting Rocks" is the standout track on the album. On the original, Garred sung the whole love song himself. However, in the new version on X, he shares the lyrics with his wife, Michelle. Then at the end, they come together to sing. The interplay of the vocals enhances the romantic feeling of the song. It's beautiful.

Super XX Man | Collecting Rocks
Super XX Man | Coulee City