Back by popular demand! Or not! The return of Chuck's corner.

1) The Bambi Molesters. A surf band from Croatia? Yeah, but they're
soooo much more than that. Compositionally, they knock the Surfaris
dicks in the dirt. Or is it the sand? Whichever. Most inspired thing
I've seen or heard in recent memory. And they cover my personal
favorite ever Morricone song, Guns For Ringo. Discovered 'em at the
Orange Blossom Festival in Germany. Well... now... in all fairness,
God forbid, before I offend anybody, I didn't actually DISCOVER them.
They were already there. I think you know what I'm saying. That's
what make festivals like the Orange Blossom so cool. Every one a box
of chocolates. A surf band from Croatia? You bet ya! They were
un-fucking believable live. Can't wait to hear their records.

2) James Luther "Jim" Dickinson-- 'Free Beer Tomorrow'. Bubba
personalizes every thing that he touches. The guru of voodoo returns
after a 30 year absence, out of the swamp riding on the backs of his
offspring (the North Miss Allstars) in full color sound. We at CP
inc. gotta give him props for covering the Prophet/klipschutz
chestnut, Hungry Town. Our current fave off the record is Eddy
Hintons, Well of Love. It's a deep well-- that well of love.

3) Jonathan Richman-- "Affection". Genius. Still not convinced?
Look no further than this song my friend. And Jonathan's guitar
playing! Where does that come from? I'm guessing Africa. (Thanks for
the mix tape Gary!)

4) The Clash -- "Bankrobber" When you're driving Innerstate 10. It's
strictly boom chicka boom chicka boom. Don't take my word for it. Why
else would every truck stop along that lonely stretch of highway
offers a different Dave Dudley collection? But god dang! Something
happens over here in the UK -- can't explain it. Cruising the M1 up
to Scotland listening to the Clash skanking away. That old chky
chk... chky chk... never did it sound so right.

5) Abba Abba and more Abba. Without fail, Teenage Rob shoves this
Hits CD into the player after a couple of pints. I gots to admit, it
sure does sound good coming out of the dashboard. Swedish pop. Much
like their automobiles -- Solid/expertly
engineered/efficient/effective and very, very, safe. I'm no
nationalist, but check out the fins and atomic inspired American cars
of vintage by comparison. Ah... fuck it... for what it's worth, I'll
take a Volvo over a PT Cruiser. And the Cardigans over Lenny
Kravitz. And besides, all new cars look the same now anyway. Of
course, those BMW made Mini Coopers sure are cute. But good luck
getting a Twin Reverb in one. Where AM I going here?

6) "Jennifer Johnson and Me" --Fred Koller. You can order this CD of
songs that Fred writ with Shel Silverstein on-line I think. I got my
copy from the man himself at his bookstore in Nashville. And now a
warning. Approach bookstore with caution. Or be prepared to drop at
least 100 bones.

7) Amy Rigby -- Til the Wheels Fall Off. I look forward to every Amy
Rigby record. She's never let me down yet. As smart and fun as a
Larry David video. Or something. (There's an analogy out there
somewhere!) Brings out the fan it me every time.

8) Larry David Larry David Larry David... especially the Crazy Eyes
Killer (or is it "Killah"???) episode. (Thanks Jimmy B for taping em
for us)

9) Johnny Cash -- Anything. But, if pressed, right at this moment.
"I Hung My Head". That's right. Sting wrote it. THAT Sting?
Songwriters everywhere, eat your hearts out! Masterful. Johnny Cash
turns anything he touches into a Johnny Cash record. That's why he's
not just the man in black. He is the man. Don't try this at home.

10) Jay Z -- Unplugged (backed by the most excellent Roots) -- Lotta
heart. Lotta pain. And alot of laughs. The Roots break the laws of
physics. Coming off like human machines. Or machines with souls. Is
it me or do these versions smoke over the originals? Welcome to the
eighth wonder of the world. (Thanks for the tip Blake!)

[Back]