BEGGARZ
Days Come Easy (Independent)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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The Beggarz, a bluesy rock band out of Toronto, have some strong songs, some nice riffs, and an instantly recognizable sound. Unfortunately, it's the Rolling Stones' sound you instantly recognize. The deeper into the album you go, the more apt you are to forget that you aren't listening to the Glimmer Twins and Co. A few of the songs feel like knockoffs, yet you can't quite place the song being knicked. Oddly enough, the Beggarz are so damned good at it that the CD can still be enjoyable, as long as you're not particularly outraged. Their website provides an amusing moment, as you read that their influences range from Bob Dylan to Slim Harpo, and no mention of the Stones is anywhere to be seen. It's not until you go to their contacts page that a nod is finally given. There you find a large image of Keith Richards with a conspiratorial, tongue-tween-the-teeth smile on his face. The Beggarz are very good at what they do, but I think Keith is smiling because he's hoping for a percentage.

© 2003 - DJ Johnson