New Music Reviews for May 19, 2009

Hey, Ham Fans!!! OMG…Guess what!!! It’s Tuesday and the new music releases are out! And who but your beloved Polythene Ham has the scoop? Well, probably lots of people. But nowhere will you find a review quite as cunning or super-awesome. That’s right, I said it. Before this becomes a complete love fest, let’s get down to business. No, silly, not THAT business.

          OK, so remember how I said we’d mention Cheech and Chong, Winger, and Bizzy Bone? Yeah, we’re not going to. I hope that’s not why you came back. The good news is there are some noteworthy releases this week…

 Capitol Steps – “Obama Mia”

Like political satire? Capitol Steps (former Senate staffers, etc.) released their latest album and I must say I am impressed. While it’s a little dinner-theater-esque, they do have a catchy little ditty called “When I’m 84.” It’s extremely closely modeled after the Beatles “When I’m sixty-four.” Here’s a sneak peak:

Do you really want me

Running the country

When I’m eighty-four…

It’s basically John McCain and the perks of electing him as president (pre-boarding Air Force One, dinner served at 4). He also discusses how saw evolution first-hand on his dinosaur. There are also jabs at the Big 3 auto manufacturers’ bailout, and Hillary Clinton. My personal favorite, though, was the spoken word “Lirty Dies: Load to the Erection.” It’s actually really funny and well worth a little of your time. Check it out. Scream at me via comment if you don’t like it—or even if you do.

 ORB (The Oak Ridge Boys) – “The Boys Are Back”

I soooo was not kidding when I said they had a new album coming out. I just couldn’t help but review this one. Seriously…they covered “Seven Nation Army.” This little revelation was disturbing to me at first, but…eh. Who cares, really? It’s not like other great songs haven’t been covered. It’s not even horrible, just funny. I am happy to report, though, that I didn’t hear a single “Giddy up oom papa mow mow.” 

 Jarvis Cocker – “Further Complications” (Not to be confused with Joe Cocker)

This was my first time sampling Mr. Cocker’s musical talents (why does that sound so dirty??), but overall I was pleased. He’s very, very British, intelligent, witty, a little twitchy…AND he even contributed three songs for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! He’s created such works of art as “I Never Said I Was Deep,” “Homewrecker!” and “F**kingsong.” I’m a sucker for a British accent, so he was almost guaranteed a good review from me. Hope you like him too!

 Au Revoir Simone – “Still Night, Still Light”

Remember those keyboards our parents got us for Christmas that had all the buttons for the drum beats (tango, waltz, samba, swing)? Well this album seriously reminds me of those days. It’s a little harsh, but I mean it in the nicest possible way. I am not really an electro-pop fan, so the music and beat are lost on me, but other than that, it wasn’t too bad. BBC says it’s the top indie album of the week, BTW.

 The Lonely Forest – “We Sing In Time”

I know this was released back in April and I didn’t mention it, but I’m mentioning it now. It’s really good. The vocals are fantastic, the lyrics are great…I was hooked instantly. This is their second full-length album, and I’m sure we’ll see more from these guys!

 Honorable Mentions

Tori Amos – “Abnormally Attracted to Sin”

Lionel Ritchie – “Just Go”

Eminem – LOLZ!! Just kidding (there is a new album though)

Dane Cook – LOLZ!! Still kidding (still a new album)

 Well, we did it again, kids. We got through a whole week’s worth of new music releases—and on time, no less. I hope my posts are making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, because I sure enjoy this time we spend together. Until next week…

 

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