The Butthole Surfers : "After the Astronaut"

 

Here is the record the Butthole Surfers intended to release after "Electric Larryland", but their record label deemed it not commercial enough. While it dubiously coincided with the band's Capitol Records signing, Paul Leary claims they were just influenced by trip-hop at the time and organically shifted away from noise rock. The electronic elements from their hit album are still present, and "Intelligent Guy" is not a far cry from what put them on the radio in the first place.  In fact, it still feels pretty mainstream to me when compared to even "Independent Worm Saloon. Fi

"Jet Fighter" was intended to be the single from this album, and it also holds some similarities to "Pepper.".. It's weird but not dark. "Mexico' is a little darker, with a surreal feel than the previous song, yet finds the band embracing 90s electronica. "Imbuya'"  works off a more of a break beat. Gibby's vocals are more spoken than rapped. "Venus" is the first slight mistep that doesn't connect to me, as it feels silly and less like who they are than the previous songs. Paul Leary does pick his guitar back up at some point. The title track is more of a sound collage than a song, which is fine with me, as it makes me think of their earlier work, but with better production. 

"Yentel" finds the drugs kicking into high gear. It's less of a song than the title track. It is more of a simmering interlude that leads to another piece of weirdness in "Junkie Jenny in Gaytown" that does not sound like the title. They do begin to jam a bit in the middle of the song, which is fun. There is more groove to the electronic pulse of "They Came to". The guitars also come in on this, and Gibby returns to a more familiar vocal approach, letting all the pieces click into place to make this the best song thus far. "Not a Problem" works off cool samples with a lurid droning. Then they close the album with "Turkey and Dressing' which finds them reminding you of their punk roots. I like this album better than "Electric Larryland," and the fact that Capitol Records wanted something more commercial from them is why the record industry is in the place it's at now. I will give this a 9.5. Prop to Sunset Blvd Records for relasing this.

pst269

the Melvins : "Pinkus Abortion Technician"

Buzz and the boys are teaming up with Butthole Surfers bassist Jeff Pinkus for this album that puts an extra coating of weird on things. The Melvins have been heavier band that hipsters from many decades have been able to embrace, despite the band being not so closeted Kiss fans. Their love for Kiss comes more to the forefront on the cock rocker that opens up their new album. Two and a half minutes into this there is a weird break in the song, where there is a spoken or almost preached section about Florida. It kills the smooth rocking momentum the song had. "Embrace the Rub" is more punk, though much like the album title there seems to a Butthole Surfers theme here since Pinkus is on board. "Don't Forget to Breathe" might be my favorite song on this album thanks to the bass groove and the extra put into the vocals.

I had to go back an give "Flamboyant Duck" another listen to form my thoughts on it. I guess what I don't like about it is the fact it reminds me of the Butthole Surfers when I thought they sold out. It's not a bad song, but not the album's strongest moment either, kinda grunge lite with a touch of country. "Break Bread" is a better song with a 70's Comaro rock vibe. This continues on with their cover of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"...if I need to tell you who did the original then go ahead and kill yourself. "Prenup Butter" has a bit of a psychedelic edge to it.Three minutes into it the song gets a little jammy. They close the album with a cover of "Graveyard" from "Locust Abortion Technician" and when you are covering a song with a member of that band in your band you are going to have the unfair advantage.

This album takes time to grow on you. It's more rock and roll than metal or whatever their heavier side might be. It does continue to fuel me missing the Butthole Surfers. The winks in their direction are at the heart of this album's core when they are not getting their van airbrushed. I'll round this one up to an 8.5. If you are a fan then this falls right in line with the long strange trip they have already taken you on.