CD REVIEWS BY LOCAL WRITERS
Monkee Torture, Too Cheap for Vinyl , 2003, Self-Released
By Robert Jacobs
Many styles are represented in this debut from Monkee Torture: From ‘50s rock and British metal
to American punk and ‘60s fairytale psychedelic-metal (think Spinal Tap/Stonehedge). It’s a
punk/metal marriage presided over by the ominous character of the Baron Von Torture.
The strength of this record lies in the musicians, as evidenced on “Release the Hounds” and
“Uncle Metallica.” The band really sinks its teeth into the Baron Von Torture songs, “What Would
Baron Von Torture Do” and “Christmas at Von Torture’s.” There is some guitar work in the finest
metal tradition, and although these songs seem to bring the band focus, there is a bit too much de-
pendency upon the character of Baron Von Torture.
Too much of a good joke can be a bad thing. Also, the vocals come across as rather one-dimen-
sional, featuring gargled shout-outs, `a la the Dropkick Murphys. This vocal technique, however, will
definitely appeal to a certain type of listener.
Fans of The Misfits, The Ramones and Iron Maiden will appreciate this CD. Standout tracks are
“Release the Hounds,” “Teenage Dumbshit” and “WWBVTD.”
Ween, Live in Chicago CD/DVD , 2004, Sanctuary Records
By Jeffrey Stout
From an origin of two teens and a drum ma-
chine, Ween has grown into a rock beast with fer-
vent fans, sold out theaters and festival appear-
ances. One of the few success stories of the ‘90s,
Ween rose from Beavis-esque retardation to own-
ing the most devout fans and spewing the most
excellent rock. Live in Chicago secures its special
place in rock history.
Here is a concert video so superfluous that it is
necessary. With three official live albums and a lib-
eral taping and trading policy, it’s difficult to swing
a net without catching a Ween bootleg.
Nevertheless, the production quality alone on
Live in Chicago is reason enough to add it to your
collection.
But why care about production milk when you have the cream resting atop two nights of a
Chicago, Vic Theatre three-night Weenie binge? The show begins sober and standard enough; Ween
kicks out the jams. But at a third of the way in, Dean Ween steps to the mic and announces a sing-
along. “It goes like this,” Dean says, “one, two, three, AIDS!” From that point, welcome to Ween’s
world. The musicians show off their inner Gene Autry with “Chocolate Town,” their Rainbow Child on
“The Argus,” and their horny teenager on “Touch my Tooter.”
While it wouldn’t make up for missing your next Ween show, Live in Chicago works as a between-
tour supplement. It brings back concert images audio cannot, and those your mind couldn’t hold
while you were there.
Armored Frog, Ghost Cow , 2004, Sleep Sound Records
By David Snider
Since bands like Smog and Low launched the slow-core revolution in the early part of the ‘90s,
countless others have tried to march boldly forth in the “I love depressing music” parade. Eventually
you run out of ideas until a band like Armored Frog comes along.
Here emotions are scraped raw between cementing bass, whispering mystery synths, languid
guitars and scraps of found sounds. Some of this could be postmodern pop, and a good deal of it is
lushly instrumental minimalism. The closest thing I’d put it up against is Arab Strap (sans the beer-
soaked Scottish accent).
Even with all the sorrow stitched throughout these songs, it’s far from just soul-freezing desola-
tion. It’s like driving alone through Nebraska at night and realizing how much you actually love life.
This is totally original and searching.
Unlike the oceans of “volume” bands that ceaselessly hit the campus airwaves, these songs re-
quire your attention and are seriously worth every last bit. After Automated (2002), this sophomore
effort is going to hit some nerves. Bleak never felt so good.
PJ Harvey, Uh Huh Her , 2004, Island Records
By Stacey Fay
©2004 Pabst Brewing Company
SUPERSUCKERS
With a penchant for doing what they want when they
want, the Supersuckers are a true American original.
Seamlessly blending their turbo-charged, flame retardant
rock with their dusty, western, looking-off-into-the-sunset
country music, the 'Suckers have created The Big Show –
an all night affair featuring the best of their 15-year record-
ing history. Simply put, the Supersuckers are the greatest.
Visit them at www.supersuckers.com
26 JULY 1, 2004
The slick production of Stories From the City,
Stories From the Sea is gone and this is a welcome
change. Harvey seems to have gone back to the
bare basics found in older releases like Rid of Me.
On songs such as “Bad Mouth” and “The
Darker Days of Me & Him,” Harvey seems betrayed
(“You were an unhappy child / That doesn’t make
your lying tongue alright.”) She’s even a little
threatening in the song “Pocket Knife” (“Can you
see my pocket knife? / You can’t make me be your
wife.”) Despite some very bitter songs, Harvey
doesn’t lose her sense of humor, making use of
hand claps in “Who the Fuck” (“Who the fuck you
trying to be? / Get your dog away from me.”)
Is Harvey sliding backward into a hole of hyste-
ria? Possibly, but if she’s falling, it’ll be on her own terms and you believe her when she sings, “I’m not
trying to cause a fuss / just wanna make my own fuck-ups. / I’m not trying to break your heart / I’m
just trying not to fall apart.”