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"Bare Jr." are truly unique.
As if the inclusion of dulcimer in a southern rock band was not
left of center enough, just when you think you've got these guys
figured out, they turn it all inside out and start again. To
draw a parallel to other artists (i.e., Tom Petty, The Jayhawks)
is to try and pigeon hole something that is more than that. "Bare
Jr." are rock, southern, punk, and just about everything
else at the same time. "Bare Jr." ARE is the simplest
description. There are no defining lines. There is no sense putting
square pegs in round holes. Why ignore the genius behind this
band.
Their Immortal/Epic debut, "Boo-Tay,"
kicks off with a regal march 70's style 29 second title track
which leads into "Nothin' Better To Do," a southern
tinged, beer swigging, super catchy anthem fronting the battle
cry lyric "You Dig Me More Than I Dig Myself."
Rocking into the upbeat, angry, yet party
like "Most," moves the southern sound further to the
straight forward rock side of the spectrum. At this point in
the record you find yourself saying "OK, these guys are
a southern/hard rock band, right no problem, I've got 'em pegged."
- then track 4 hits. "You Blew Me Off" gallops in with
an almost Clash style bounce distortion and sneer. A southern/hardrock/punk
band? Add in the Dulcimer and you begin to realize you just can't
peg these guys, and that is perhaps what makes them so great.
"Bare Jr." is sweet chaos, harnessed and under control.
Bobby Bare Jr. vocalizes with all the sadness
of a Tom Petty, the sweetness of a Jacob Dillion, the twang of
a Country Joe and the sneer of a Johnny Rotten. Mike Grimes'
guitar work is masterful, but not unchallenged by the amazing
work of Tracy Hackney and his Dulcimer. Keith Brogdon steers
these opposing forces into entropy, and manages to pound out
some impressive drum work in the process. All in all, "Bare
Jr." work together in different directions, yet all arrive
at the same place.
"Boo-Tay" has everything a great
album should: musicianship, energy, catchiness, masterful song
writing and a sense of humor. This is one of those records that
truly has something for everyone. Other tracks that stand out
are "Patty McBride," Naked Albino" and "Why
Won't You Leave Me Alone," but the truth is, the whole record
is great and should be listened to as a complete work. Definitely
check this one out.
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