Ken's Happies Reviews Ever.

Music Club
November 2007

Dirty Sweet- Of Monarchs and Beggars

Yes. Yes. Yes. Instead of boring you with song by song comparisons, let’s just say that this band gets the 70’s’; every aspect except the disco that is. Pick the band and you’ll hear them somewhere on this disc. A Kiss power chord or Badfinger harmonies, some James Gang funk and there is even a little Cher sounding vibrato (listen to “Come Again”). I had to pry it out of the car. Unpretentious and straight forward. A Killer. (4.5)

Depeche Mode- Violator

I may condemned to the electronica fag house tonight but I will vehemently stand beside Jenn in support of Violator. True, I prefer normally a raging guitar riff but Depeche comes the closest you can to raging guitar riffs without a guitar. Sure it’s mopey bordering on whiny and preachy but I can forgive it. It has too much alt-groove and attitude. Take out “Waiting for the Night” and this is close to downright masterpiece. Don’t hate me because I embrace my inner late 80’s inner self. (4)

Frank Zappa- Chunga’s Revenge

One of my favorite Zappa’s discs, behind Hot Rats, Chunga displays all of Frank’s facets. His goofiness, straight ahead rock/blues, doo-wop, inane lyrics and unconventional instrument solos. It’s all here in a tight, well flowing package. The only thing missing is the synclaviar. More accessible to non-Frankites but if you are not a fan you may only like bits and pieces. C’mon who can’t identify with a Gypsy vacuum cleaner playing castinets in the midnight autumn air….. (4.5)

Sleeping in the Aviary-

Excellent thrashy noisy garage rock. Of course I have an affinity for these types of bands, especially when they have wavering, off tune lead vocals. The songs blast out of the gate and stick to the point, build and end leaving you wanting more. Nice find and another one I had to yank from my car. (4)