Dec Report-Holds nothing of any value. Like Ken's undies.

Beck – The disc that firmly entrenches Beck into the category of “all I will ever need from this guy is a greatest hits disc”. 20 minutes of good stuff, but regrettably, the album clocks in at over an hour. He pulled a Clapton on me, releasing a kick-ass single that convinced me to buy the disc, which didn’t live up to the advance track. Highlights include “Strange Apparition” and “Nausea”. Low points include every track after #6. Elapsed time from purchase to selling on e-bay was 72 hours. 2 1/2 stars.

Decemberists – The most challenging disc in a long while for me. I’d listen to it, decide I didn’t like it, listen again and decide it was good, repeat ad infinitum. There are moments on the disc that are sublime, “ The Crane Wife 3” & “O Valencia!” being the sub-limiest; but the two long tracks ventured a little too far into “Yes” territory for me. I thought the combination of folk, prog, and Talking Heads-ish white boy funk, made for a very interesting, if uneven, disc. 3 stars

Fear – If I were forced to make the choice to either listen to this disc again, get a severe case of rectal itch or watch an episode of “Full House”, I’d call it a tossup. Hardcore, yes. Containing anything remotely resembling a tune, discernable lyrics or musical talent, no. 0 #$#)$)# ing stars

Jason & the Scorchers – Listening to this made me conjure the following images: Cow shit, mean dogs, pickup trucks with gun racks, big hats, belt buckles, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, that damned 80’s “Born in the USA” big drum sound, drinking Bud longnecks in a sleazy bar where you practically stick to the floor, “trailer park hot” chicks, and the Zen of twang. These are things to be celebrated (except the 80’s drum sound). 4 stars

Superdrag – I can see why this band never made it big. Great catchy tunes, clever lyrics, fantastic harmonies, its all here, and on damn near every track. There’s no place in radio for a band like this. “Baby Goes to Eleven” is just a quintessential pop song, and “Sucked Out” is a stone classic. Never heard of these guys before this, very glad it was submitted.

Discussion Question


I would fancy myself a rhythm guitar player. I’ve always enjoyed hearing the guitar parts that are usually underneath the songs and behind the lead player’s.

Pete Townshend would be my primary influence to draw on. He does play lead, but is basically a rhythm guitarist. I definitely dig the power chord style his playing is based upon, and his sense of theatrics (windmills, leaps, smashing crap up) has always been exciting. Ken will vouch, playing like Pete is in my blood.

Keith Richards would have to be the other influence. Incredibly unusual sense of timing, but everything he plays always sounds like it is exactly the right sound in the right space. To be able to sing like Keith would be an added bonus…

Challenge for the group – name an innovative guitarist who hasn’t been on the scene for at least 15 years. I can’t come up with one.