Enjoyable infestation

Ween has been troubling rock's serious mentality for the past 17 years. It is rare to come across a rock band with such a consistent sense of humor and flair for genre experimentation. Ween is known for keeping fans on their toes. Each album is categorically schizophrenic, bouncing from pop to country to easy listening to rock to lounge music, without hesitation. Their latest creation La Cucaracha is a musical-genre hodgepodge that keeps the listener engaged.\nOn La Cucaracha, Ween is more playful than on 2003's Quebec. The first track "Fiesta" revs up the listener with fluttering trumpets backed by upbeat drumming. It could pass for the theme song of some old-school comedy troupe. As an instrumental opener, it leaves you guessing about where the rest of the album will go.\nThe two tracks that follow keep the playful attitude rolling. "Blue Balloon" has a steady, dream-like tempo. The lyrics "Can the father's love reach the child above the clouds / So as to dance the day up high / Way up high, above the blue balloon" and rhythmic percussion makes it seem as though the listener is floating in a field of tall grass. The wind noises in the background help the imagery as well. \n"Friends" takes an amusing stab at techno while using synthesizers and echoing voice effects to maintain the previous track's dreamy feel. The catchy song forces you to bounce along and chant the refrain "Friends in life are special / Do you want me as your special friend?"\nThe party demeanor staggers with the fourth track. "Object" brings poor choices regarding casual relationships into question. It's not an optimistic song, but the album as a whole spans multiple emotions as well as music types. \nLa Cucaracha's standout track "My Own Bare Hands" has lyrics ranging from sensible to incomprehensible. Hard-guitar riffs and gruff singing make it a rock classic. Sprinkled with obscenities, the song isn't groundbreaking, but it is hilarious. Lines such as "I'm gonna be your lawnmower / And cut your fuckin' grass" will make you smile unless you are too easily offended by playful profanity.\nThe album definitely keeps your attention. The songs cover country, reggae, light rock, new age, techno and classic rocking out. If you're new to Ween, you might find them intimidating. But don't worry, the experience is well worth the possible confusion.