Jesus H Christ and the Four Hornsmen of the Apocalypse
The only thing preventing this
band from getting trashed is its humor. They juggle a few different styles, sounding like Iggy Pop and the Stooges at one point (the opener, “Conneticut’s for Fucking”), and sounding like a goof version of Jimmy Buffett at another point (“Crazy Guy”). The female singer has an annoying, chirpy voice. Its at its worst in “Obviously” which is done entirely in a spoken word vocal-style. The horn section comes in for the first time on this song, making the proceedings sound even more “wacky”.
Now why would I still recommend checking this out? The songs are genuinely funny, whether it’s seducing a widowed husband (When I heard she bit the dust/ I was oddly consumed with lust), or bashing girls who only get interesting when they pilfer their ex-boyfriend’s interests in “Vampire Girls” such as “asking about Coltrane, Stratocasters and blackjack.” It’s a damning judgment of weak women that’s done with a wink and a slap to the face.
“Crazy Guy” is a low-key lounge-y acoustic song about wanting a stalker of another woman to stalk you. It also has a trombone solo. Whether that’s a deal-maker or not, you decide. The guys take over lead vocals in “She’s A Six”, but it’s not too great of a song and the concept could’ve been executed better. The band gets a 5-point deduction for the ironic use of cowbell in “It’s OK in the USA”. Musically, most of these songs are disposable, except for “Vampire Girls” and “Vicki Is A Pro”, but don’t come for the brilliant musicianship, do it for the hearty chuckles and knee-slappers.
