There are some groups that inspire the respect of people you admire, earn rave reviews in well-regarded publications, and record for renowned labels, and yet you just never get around to listening to their music. That’s the case with me and Jawbox, who’ve reunited after a 10-year hiatus. I’ve no valid reasons for ignoring this DC band, which made a lot of rock fans’ 1990s a wild time to be alive. Now that I’m finally hearing Jawbox’s music, I get it. Their surging, coiled songs carry a heroic uplift, punching above their weight like SST-era Hüsker Dü or Helmet with a keener melodic sensibility. I should’ve been heeding all those recommendations from former Stranger music editor Eric Grandy, damn it. by Dave Segal