Rough Edge: Daze CD Reviews

DAZE

"Girl" (Ratcage Records)
"Punk Blues" (Ratcage Records)

A lot has changed in the world of Day-Z Daze since the time I reviewed "Punk Blues" (below). Basically, he ... became a she.

Musically, however, Daze has remained true to the sound found on "Punk Blues." Basically, what we have with "Girl" is more bare bones punk rock featuring a punkish/folkish vocalist, a trusty ukelele, and not much else. In fact, the four songs previously released on "Punk Blues" are also found herein (tracks 1, 2, 3 and 11).

Overall, however, "Girl" is a superior CD to "Punk Blues" because of production values. I don't know if the four tracks featured on "Punk Blues" have been re-recorded or remastered or what, but they sound better - clearer - here. The entire CD boasts better production than "Punk Blues" and that's important. When your music is as different as Daze's is, you don't want shoddy production to get in the way of your individuality.

There are some things here that are different than the previous release. "Smoke One" is a twisted cover of Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" that morphs into a Ramones tribute at one point. Daze is joined by additional musicians on this track, including guitarists, a bassist and a drummer. There's also a Sonic Youth cover, a Jimi Hendrix cover, a Diana Ross and the Supremes cover and more of Daze's "dazifying" of traditional songs.

Again, it's all pretty fucking weird. If you're out there hunting for something you've never heard before, you can stop your search and buy "Girl" now. You ain't heard nothing 'til you've heard Hendrix played on a ukelele. Anyway, whether you like "Girl" or not, you've got to admire Daze's bold confidence in playing music the way Daze feels it should be played.

Just remember - seriously - it's not for everyone.

Performing on "Girl" are: Day-z Daze - vocals and uke; Ciaki - waterglass solo on "Cockroach"; Wild Bill Thompson - lead guitar on "Smoke One"; Bobby Steele - guitar on "Smoke One"; Arwen K. - bass on "Smoke One"; Scott Jarvis - drums on "Smoke One."

"Punk Blues" (Ratcage Records)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Looking at the photograph of Day-Z Daze on the back of "Punk Blues," one might be reminded of Iggy Pop, one of punk rock's greatest icons. And Iggy and Daze have more in common than just those reptilian looks. Both play the music they want to play whether you, or I, or anybody - likes it or not.

"Punk Blues" is a collection of four songs the likes of which you've probably never heard before. Imagine: Punk rock consisting of a vocalist (Daze) and his electric ukulele.

That's right. I said ukulele.

Daze sounds like the kind of music you might hear on a street late one night, coming from a dark nightclub or bar that you've never heard of. It sounds like music from the background of a David Lynch movie. Daze's vocals are sweet and simple. If Woodie Guthrie were a punk rocker, he might have sounded like this. Lyrically, as well. And the uke just plays right along, sounding more like a abused violin than a ukulele most of the time.

Yeah, it's fucking weird. But that also makes it very interesting. Whether it makes it brilliant or not is entirely up to one's taste in music.

To paraphrase Monty Python: When it's time for something completely different, Daze's "Punk Blues" may just be the ticket.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home