DOUGLASS KINGS
"3
Bucks" (Evil Owl Records / Posting Toad Records; 2002)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
I had no absolutely idea what to expect when hearing Douglass Kings' "3 Bucks." But it is easy to tell you what Douglass Kings are all about even after one casual listen.
Douglass Kings are a truly independent DIY band based in the metropolis of Chicago that are borne of the ashes of post-punk rockers Alkaloid. What? You’ve never heard of Alkaloid? That's OK - neither had I. Not that it matters much. You need to hear Douglass Kings for yourself to understand what it's all about.
Douglass Kings' music seems, to me anyway, to be a mix of garage rock, simple pop, and the best of the alternative and punk worlds. There's an immediate charm to the Douglass Kings' music - and the act of creating music for the pure and simple love of creating music seems to be the guiding force behind the Weaver/Diamond tandem.
The band's ditties seemed oddly comfortable right from the opening notes right to the end. I guess it's because of all the time I spent listening to college radio when I was in college (that was the late '80s when college radio started to become a fruitful birthing ground for the alternative scene). There’s nothing heavy (musical, philosophical, or otherwise) about "3 Bucks." The five tracks on this CD breeze along at a total of 12 minutes with nary a wasted second or a useless overuse of any musical medium.
A love of kung fu fighting sets the stage for "Chow Yun Fat." "Bee Goes Out" is an endless yarn of stream of consciousness about life as it is experienced in front of the TV, under the moonlight, traveling from one errand to another, the invasiveness of pop culture, the whacked out plusses and minus of modern conveniences, and independence. The hilarious "Pinky Ring" almost sounds as if it was inspired by a Dennis O’Leary rant - I know for a fact that this track will be making it onto some of my mixed CDs for long car trips. "Guilded" is a love song pure and simple even though it doesn't 'sound' like one. "Sucker Rebellion" takes aim squarely at 'underground' bands that charge excessive prices for their merchandise - the Douglass Kings aren't kidding when music should be attainable and affordable.
All in all, "3 Bucks" is a breath of fresh air. Fans of alternative music and punk's more garage-oriented sound should check out Douglass Kings.
"3 Bucks" was produced by Douglass Kings and recorded by Andy Boznak.
Douglass Kings are Dave Weaver on guitar and
vocals, and Lee Diamond on drums and vocals.
For more information visit http://www.douglasskings.com.
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.
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Revised: 23 Nov 2020 20:51:46 -0500.
