People have been trying to bury rock and roll for a long time, declaring countless times that rock is dead. Well, if Mojo Nixon taught us nothing else (and there’s a lot to be learned from Mojo), he taught us that “you can’t kill rock n roll.”
If you need proof that Mojo is correct about that, then look toward The Bobby Lees. Ironically, this band is from Woodstock, New York, but don’t expect any folky songs about love and peace (not that there is anything wrong with those) on the band’s new album Skin Suit, which was produced by the legendary Jon Spencer.
It’s pretty fitting that the album was produced by Spencer. Right from the beginning of the album, that band plays with similar energy and volume to any of Spencer’s projects. There is also something of The Stooges in the band’s sound. You can hear it not only in the wildly fuzzed-out guitar and powerful vocals, but also in the bass line that is enough to make you feel a rumble in your gut.
If you’re looking for subtleties, this is not the album for you. But then, when has rock and roll ever been about subtleties? This album is about fuzzy garage-punk guitar, rumbling bass, frantic beats, and vocals that are made for loud and fast rock and roll.
The album ends with a cover of Richard Hell’s “Blank Generation”. This version is pretty true to the original. Both versions feature loud guitars that may or may not have been tuned precisely. The biggest difference is the howled vocals by Sam Quartin.
Fear not, loyal reader. Rock isn’t dead. It is alive and well in the capable hands of The Bobby Lees. In fact, the next time you hear that rock is dead, you should present this album as evidence to the contrary. Every one of the 13 songs on this album is an absolute pounder. Even if you’ve never seen the band live, you get the idea that their live shows must be amazing considering the energy they put into recording.
