Electric Rock Music

Infinite Jones Recommends:

Electric Rock Music (1994) by the Ass Ponys

Why have you never heard this album?  Could it be the terrible band name?  Or, the completely generic album title.  Or, singer Chuck Cleaver’s high reedy voice (a definitely worth acquiring, acquired taste)?  Maybe it is just bad luck because if you haven’t heard Electric Rock Music, you are definitely missing out.  The album is filled with catchy, original songs  played by a tough, tight band.  The song writing is hook-filled and idiosyncratic.  Almost all the tunes have a twisted narrative or deft characterization to recommend them.  If you old enough, you may recognize their 1994 MTV “hit” Little Bastard – which again, the title did them no favors regarding airplay – it’s a great song but,  by no means the only one.  Our absolute favorite is Live Until I Die but, Place Out There, Otter Slide and, Lake Brenda are all Highly Recommended, too.   Actually, there is hardly a bum track on the record although the opener Grim, is well a little, er, grim.   This is definitely an overlooked gem so, do yourself a favor and give this one a listen.

Bonus:

Some videos from the album.

Also:

Chuck Cleaver’s current band Wussy is also highly recommended.  “Dean of American Rock Critics”, Robert Christgau LOVES them.