Funki Porcini Let's See What Carmen Can Do (Ninja Tune/Cargo)
Well, well. That sweaty little Porcini has gone on vacation. And what sounds should one expect when England's only purveyor of pervbeat (spunk, fusion and freakbreaks) leaves his bed? Boomerangs whizzing quicksilver over a sample safari,
Grim Skunk Autumn Flowers: Rerolled (Indica/Outside) Not just re-released on CD but completely re-recorded as the debut offering from Grim Skunk's own Indica label, this is the prog-core band's premier paean to the panacea of pot, originally let loose in 1991. Despite the expected upping in sound quality, these songs still come off as what they were: a demo tape, a template, the promise of better bud to come. 7/10 (Chris Yurkiw) At Metropolis May 1 & 2 with Stealth, the Snitches, Race and others Bad Livers Hogs On The Highway (Sugar Hill) Bursting with mandolin, tuba, banjo, button accordion and a big-bottomed upright bass, the Bad Livers' unparalleled brand of "bluegrass thrash" ain't as punk as it used to be--but don't go putting them out to pasture just yet. The Austin band's newfangled arrangements might irk bluegrass purists, but numbers like "Lathe Crick" or "Counting the Crossties" prove that fun and down-home anarchy is a match made in hog heaven. 8/10 (Lorrie Edmonds) The Dicks 1980-1986 (Alternative Tentacles)
What could be more appropriate for this label's 200th release than a complete retrospective of Austin, Texas's Dicks. Punk classics like "Saturday at the Bookstore," "Hate the Police" and "Shit on Me" are here as are some interesting liner notes from Ian Mackaye and Bob Mould, offering a testament to their influence. Covered by the likes of Jesus Lizard and Mudhoney, the Dicks' bluesy punk swagger still remains intelligently twisted. 9/10 (John Turner)
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Latin indigestion atop twittering picollos, some lady named Carmen whacking an upright bass, not to mention demonically uncontrolled tempos, mentally challenged beats and crazy saxophonists who start and stop at the most ridiculous moments. That Porcini--he's drunk. He's burning with sunburn. He's high on hamburgers. He has just made the most insane Ninja release of the year. Back to the hotel for a bit of carpet burn and Monty Python on the repeat button, then? 9.5/10 (Mireille Silcott)