Tuesday, 9:00 PM
"Chain and the Gang" is an interesting study in reggae, blues, classic guitar, and love-banter that at its worst, leaves listeners simply amused. Two vocalists, a girl and a guy, deliver the lines without much hint of melodic intent (excusing several "uh-huh's" and hollers) but also far from bareness; there's an attitude of youthful ease and nonchalance that doesn't quite swagger but surely asserts itself. This is probably what they're describing when they refer to themselves as delivering the "outlaw noise and performance" that brings the audience to a tumult and the girls to their predictable swoons. There's also a distinctive self-parodying aspect that will grin you to death unless you're willing to find it, although it's not very hard. "For practical purposes... I love you," the singers droll to each other in equally passionate dispassion, with a wink at some of their listeners who might now be so inclined to soak in these melodies. The album is called, after all, Music's not for Everyone.
Post by Brandon Cook
