
2000
2000
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.