The darkness touched on in OUR BELOVED REVOLUTIONARY SWEETHEART is embraced fully on this, Camper Van Beethoven's final album. The instrumental "Opening Theme" introduces new member violinist Morgan Fichter (who replaced departing multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Segel). This is followed by "Jack Ruby," as haunting a song as you've ever heard graced with lovely "oohs" and "aahs." As is his wont, David Lowery sings the song's half-glimpsed but ever-riveting imagery like an angered next-door neighbor.
"When I Win The Lottery" sums up their attitude of dark hopefulness. The band's cover of the old Status Quo hit, "Pictures Of Matchstick Men," afforded them some airplay, but alas, they disbanded the following year. Lowery reemerged thereafter with the slightly more mainstream Cracker, while some of the others headed further off the road with the Monks of Doom. Camper Van Beethoven maintained very high standards throughout their half a decade of life, and they went out in fine style.
Camper Van Beethoven: David Lowery (vocals, guitar, harmonica, keyboards); Greg Lisher (vocals, guitar); Morgan Fichter (vocals, violin); Victor Krummenacher (vocals, bass); Chris Pederson (vocals, drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: Garth Hudson (vocals, pump organ); Tim "SteelBone" Cook (pedal steel); Don V. Lax (fiddle, strings); Hammer Smith (harmonica); Davey Faragher, Danny Faragher, Mary O'Neil, Wally Sound (background vocals).
One of the best rock recordings
If you like "alt" rock, you might like this recording a lot, along with Camper's preceding recording "Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart." What makes this one of my favorites (I'm 50 and have been listening to "rock" sine the early 60's) is that the songs are GREAT and the playing is excellent and unique. I can't think of any record I've ever heard with a stronger group of songs than this one. I highly recommend. Submitted by a reviewer (Solana Beach, CALIF.) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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