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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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