Salute the American Popular Song
11-song CD
Way back in issue #247, I blew considerable sunshine up this all-instro band’s ass for one of the finest things I’d heard that whole year, from anywhere. Why it’s not in their website’s meager press section, I have no idea. They do correctly say there that they “use samples from B movies, old radio shows, and news broadcasts in the place of a ‘vocalist’.” And I’m pleased to report that they’ve done it again, and jacked it up some, even. But let’s get a few things straight: There are no American popular songs here (which is fine). The music is all over the place, while still entirely focused on the mood of a given piece. The whole thing flows like a wacked-out, beautiful dream, I flat-out love it, and it’s a serious keeper. WHY, then, do they have to treat their [potential] audience (through their notes, etc.) like retards? Yes, gents, it’s THAT fucking annoying. If I heard this in a store, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. If I merely read the fruity-assed drivel you use to sell it, I wouldn’t just put it back, I’d hide it so no one else would have to feel so belittled. This kinda self-sabotage is especially baffling when the material is so exceptional, and I offer the advice as kindly as possible. It really matters. Cut the shit. (Joe Coughlin)
