Published: The Vermont Review
2000
Credit:
BK
If you analyze this disc but just looking at the name, one would think that this band is either some
far out jazz group that pushes the avant-garde limits or it is some punk rockers who embody
everything that jazz is not. Lesson learned? Never judge a book by its cover. For one, this English
quintet plays instruments such as accordions, kazoos, harmonicas and a good old Fender
Stratocaster. The band uses these instruments to create a form alternative pop with a twangy blues
touch. During the last 16 years, the Jazz Butcher Conspiracy has recorded over 11 albums which
have delegated the band to a cult status. In 1999, the Jazz Butcher Conspiracy got together to play a
gig in Hamburg, Germany and this disc is the result of that concert. The repertoire covers the
JBC's entire career. The set opens with "Partytime" is a slow tempo that features Pat Fish playing
a simple rhythm guitar and celebrating the best of times. Max Eider, who plays an rarely heard
Gretsch Double Anniversary guitar, provides one of the finest solos that reminds the listener of
simpler rock and roll times when Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley were kings. At the same time,
there is a avant-garde balladeering aspect similar to Lou Reed, Jonathan Richman or Oren
Bloedow.
In addition, there is humorous lyrical content with the Jazz Butcher Conspiracy: "You always act
so stupid /You always talk so dumb/ But this is partytime /And you've got to say its better than a
war /This is partytime /And its better than a cold bath with someone you dislike /This is partytime
/And its good to drink for free when you haven't any money /This is partytime/ Oh, she might just
possibly take me home." Along with the seventh song, "D.R.I.N.K", "Partytime" makes you want
to grab a pint and get down with the band. These guys are like Billy Joel without the Long Island
or Shane McGowan with good teeth. They bring the music down to a human level. For "Baby Its
You", Mister Owen Jones and Pat Beirne pick up the accordion and harmonica respectively and the
result is a beautiful love ballad. "The Human Jungle", one the performance's most upbeat tunes, is
about the popular television program. It is not until, "Who Loves You Know" does a song
remotely resemble a jazz song.
All of the songs have a stark simplicity to them. Simple rhythms, subtle guitar harmonies, well
placed harmonica texture and fine three part harmonies. The emphasis is on a well-crafted retro
pop song and if that is what you are looking for, the Jazz Butcher Conspiracy is the solution. It is
disturbing that these guys have been stuck as an underground band for so long and that they have to
go to Hamburg to get a crowd. Their music far surpasses anything that is heard today in pop,
alternative, jam band or hip-hop circles. The Jazz Butcher Conspiracy keeps a dying genre alive
and well ... the singer songwriter with a pop flare. If Chris Isaak can use the same formula and be
popular, then these guys deserve even greater respect.
Glorious And Idiotic
The last thing anybody expected was a new Jazz Butcher album in the year 2000. But there is one, and it's just the sort of thing that you hardcore JBC listeners are going to enjoy. The record is called "Glorious and Idiotic" and it is released on 26th January 2000 on ROIR.
ROIR
CD
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