In a perfect world there would be a 1:24 scale Dodge Challenger in every garage, a Fig Dish poster on every bedroom wall, and Fig Dish dishes designed specifically for holding figs in every kitchen cabinet. Why? Because this Chicago band have a way with hooks. It was apparent on their debut album (1995's That's What Love Songs Often Do), and it is excruciatingly obvious here. Contemporaries like Weezer and Ozma may be good comparisons--groups with impeccable melodic chops, deceptively simple sounding song structures (deceptive because there's really A LOT going on), and an innate ability to wrangle guitar fuzz (sound calculated and reckless at the same time--both sacred and profane). Tracks like "Dare You to Vanish" and "Bend" highlight Fig Dish's modus operandi, and I will provide a link to one or both of those tracks. This is power pop done 90's-style: Cheap Trick, Off Broadway, and Big Star played with the irreverence and abandon cranked up to 11. Have a listen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oofgCnfHj3A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB41UCCuJKE
I should also note that a few Fig Dish alums have been involved in later musical projects. Notably, Blake Smith and Mike Willison formed "Caviar"- a smooth, funny, and sexy modern rock group who used smart sampling/ electronic elements to their advantage (see "Tangerine Speedo" and "Sugarless").
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3ks9GS26Ng&list=PLqsHHIuC2Lp8j1bRs_ybpTXIMqAxprnmY
Rick Ness became "Ness" and released a great album called "Up Late With People"(2003), which includes the absolute KILLER track "Where the People Kick it".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbzTPYEy4Z0
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