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"Ladies and gentlemen, I don't play no blues, I play rock and roll!"
proclaims Mr. J. Spence, five songs into the Blues Explosion's
latest offering on Matador Records. And while that all-encompassing
statement may indeed ring true, there's still an undeniable, un-rock
presence of 70's funk infusions, thudding, booty-shaking rhythm
indoctrinations and other cross-genre pollinations raging across the
vinylscape of Acme. 1998 has Spencer providing his loyal
listeners with a mature release that has a more determined focus on
song structures and less of the campy, Blues Explosion schtick that's
trailed the band's footsteps on the last few releases. While a few
heated runs through the record will politely unearth the soulful wisdom
of gems like "I Wanna Make It Alright" and "Blue Green Olga", the lack
of excessive cat-called "Blooz Explosion!" interjections or similar
spastic verbalizations fails to provide the immediate "schtick
gratification" that long-time fans may expect. After all, aren't these
trademarks of the JSBX that everyone has come to expect? Let the guitar
ruffle up your collar this time; let the drums heartily rumble your
soul; Goddammit kids, let's face it -- Blues Explosion still has the
unquestionable genius to make you sweat! Acme is one of those
albums that demands a good sit-down listen - several good listens -- in
order for its pleasures to be properly comprehended, appreciated and
metabolized. Take the time to listen...it's worth it.
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