Published on Jun 15, 2006
This is why I hate to move.
See, I moved cross-country this winter, from Indiana
to the WeirdZone of Austin, Texas. I’m just now starting to get out
from under random boxes, and my music reviewing has been
non-existent. This means that y’all have missed out on some great
CDs that I’ve listened to but haven’t had time to write about. Time
to rectify that, now that my life has normalized to some extent,
and I’m starting with a favorite.
The Muckrakers’ Front Of The Parade is the
best new rock CD I’ve heard in a year and a half. In a truly just
world, the Louisville-based quintet would rule the charts. Think
BNL’s harmonies layered over impeccably styled roots rock (it’s not
listed on the CD’s credits, but I swear there’s Hammond organ in
there), clever intelligent lyrics, and a melodic sound that’s
catchier than ebola in a crowded subway. There are very few CDs
where I like the entire album with no reservation; Front Of The
Parade is one of them.
The production and engineering is flawless, clean and
well-executed; I’m a sucker for being able to hear a musician’s
hands on the strings themselves, and I get my jones quite satisfied
here. The lyrics are funny and full of neat twists; any band that
can mention the Barrymores, Hamlet, and hydrogen sulfide in the
same song, much less the same album, is cool in my book.
Really, there isn’t a bad song on Front Of The
Parade, but special props go to “When The Morning Comes” with
its great rap (yes, I said rap) break, the infectiously cheery
“Wake Up” and the rich, soaring climax to “Working My Way.” And
yes, there’s a hidden track, but at least they admit it. (you’ll
have to hear the CD to get that one.)
Front Of The Parade proves intelligent rock is
alive, well, and residing in Kentucky. Check it out today.