In the early ’90s, albums like Nevermind, Copper Blue, Where Have You Been, and Gish were grabbing the ears of music listeners everywhere. The songs were built on good old rock n’ roll, but possessed a punk attitude. Driven by chunky guitar riffs and vocals that walked a thin line between screaming and singing, a wealth of bands burst to the forefront of music with a new fresh sound that somehow was familiar. While never reaching the heights of bands like Nirvana, Sugar, Dinosaur Jr., or Smashing Pumpkins, the Boston band Come was dishing out tunes that were every bit as powerful. Their debut album 11:11 was a masterful record loaded with brooding rhythms, chunky guitars, and Thalia Zedek’s edgy vocals. While the band garnered acclaim from critics and peers alike, their career just never reached the heights of many similar bands.

Now, Matador Records has re-released their debut album 11:11 as a deluxe 20th anniversary edition, so there is a chance to revisit or introduce yourself to their music. The classic tunes like “Dead Molly,” “Submerge,” and “Off To One Side” sound fresh as the day they were originally released. Included on the reissue are the bonus tracks that were only previously available on certain versions of the original release. The raw punk infused “Fast Piss Blues” and the cover of “I Got The Blues” (by the Rolling Stones) are just icing on the otherwise tasty cake.

An added tidbit to this version of 11:11 is the live recording at the Come’s show at the Vermonstress Festival. The eight songs highlight the raw power of Come’s live performance skills, showing them in a setting where their music thrived.

While many re-releases, reissues and/or anniversary albums fall flat, 11:11 is not among them. The listener is treated to the original tunes from one of the best albums to see the light of day in the ’90s, as well as a previously unheard live set. Matador Records has always done things right, and with this release they have another success to add to their stellar list of releases.

(Matador Records, 304 Hudson St. 7th Floor, New York, NY 10013)