THE RUMBLE BEES
Be Pretty, Be Naked, Be Quiet (Keane)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Self-styled "idiot" Mike Himelstein may not pump out songs with the most mature subject matter in the world, but sometimes it's nice to just let it all go, climb into the gutter and laugh while you dance. During the course of Be Pretty, Be Naked, Be Quiet, Himelstein introduces you to "My Dysfunctional Family" (which includes murderers, drunks, addicts, bed wetters, a dog addicted to catnip, cross-dressers and more), compliments your "Nice Ass Butt" but tells you about "My Next Girlfriend (who'll be better than you), extols the virtues of a "Hairy Back, Flabby Belly" and declares "I Wanna Get Laid." If you're imagining a semi-talented punk band, stop right there. The Rumble Bees play smokin' blues-rock, and the players are all impressive, from the guitarists to the backup singers, officially known as The Sexy Worker Bees, two attractive lasses who apparently adhere to something they call "the no panties rule" while on stage. One front row ticket, please. Hell, I'd take any ticket to hear this band. Sax, piano, guitars, bass, drums, outstanding vocals and humor so prevalent this could almost be cross-indexed as a comedy album all add up to one of the most enjoyable albums of the year, one almost certainly destined for my Top Five of 2004 list.

© 2004 - DJ Johnson