Ghettobillies

They call themselves the "kings of bluegrass disco." Oddly enough, this description is completely accurate. \nThe Ghettobillies of southeastern Michigan take music and wit where few have dared: to the realm of funkified country. An assault of rockingness on the ears, the Ghettobillies leave nothing to be desired for the music fan with a sense of humor.\nButterface, a sophomore release, jumps off the disco-dancing horse with the punchy, love-inspired "Risking Heaven." The track lilts to the story of a boy with a slight attitude and slighter twang who met the love of his life at a 7-Eleven convenience store. And the energy doesn't stop there. \nAside from the danceable and spirited sound, the Ghettobillies tease the mind with comical and smart lyrics. Consider them smarter, talented and musically adept with the spirit of a guy who likes to take advantage of that.\n"Line Dance Champion" points a laughing man's finger at the country pride world with coordinated hand claps, yeehaws and a beat that is actually line-danceable. With his Stetson, big belt buckle and tight Wranglers, this dude is ready to win. And so on -- he fun doesn't stop with country poking. \nGoing on to sing about the joys of "a little bit of cushion for the pushing" in "Jiggle Low," the beauty of sadomasochism in "My Girl" and the lacking love life of the pipe inclined in "Plumer's Lament," the Ghettobillies definitely have more than one trick in their bag of weird stuff.\nDo not be mistaken, the Billies do have a soft and sensitive side. In "The Gap," a sad string sound gives way to a tale of love and heartbreak in the mall. A young naive Gap employee takes up with the dreamy guy from Banana Republic and is heartbroken when that tall stupid blond bitch/from Abercrombie and Fitch/had stolen her man with a fake and bake tan. Sad, isn't it?\nDo not let the wit take away from the Ghettobillies musical talent. Their strains of all sorts of influences are pulled off without a pause.\nWith insight and the music to get it across, the Ghettobillies have won the crown in their division. \nAll hail the kings of bluegrass disco.