ASS PONYS
Some Stupid With A Flare Gun (Checkered Past)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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That's better. After struggling under the suffocating environment of a major label, the Ass Ponys return to indiedom with a brilliant effort finally worthy of their numerous accolades. Besides brandishing us with a title cleverly pilfered from "Smoke on The Water", the fellas have gone and recorded the best R.E.M. album since Fables. It has just the right mix of country, folk and desperate rock to make it a college radio staple, but more importantly, it plays better with each listen, as wonderful nuances come to the fore, giving the album a mighty punch. A punch you have to work at, but this kinda work is sheer bliss. If you want instant gratification you can't go wrong with "Fighter Pilot", a crunching geetar track brimming with way too clever lyrics and a vocal like Michael Stype going through puberty (complete with that distant megaphone delivery I openly cherish). Off to the record store with ya!

© 2000 - John Sekerka