Like Seattle’s the Posies, Chicago’s Material Issue were a sharp power-pop band overshadowed by grunge-era heaviosity. Still, with frontman Jim Ellison’s impassioned songs and simpatico production from Shoes’ Jeff Murphy, the band’s debut album sold briskly, and the group seemed poised for stardom. Yet each future release sold less than the last, and by 1996, Ellison committed suicide. This worthy reissue adds early singles and live tracks, serving as a fitting memorial.
