PORK SODA

The only album I got from this band, bought in 1993 during my alternative rock period. I found funny the mix of rock and comedy in the singles ("My Name Is Mud" and "Mr. Krinkle"), so I had to check the whole album.

After a little banjo intro, "My Name Is Mud" sets the mood for the whole album - bass in front, strange guitar riffs, silly lyrics and comical voice. "Welcome To This World" and "Bob" are even more stressing the comedy part. "DMV" is more rock oriented - great guitar/bass work here. "The Ol' Diamondback Sturgeon" and "Nature Boy" are again nice funny songs. "Wounded Knee" is a great instrumental - simple rhythm section but works well. The title track "Pork Soda" is simply horrible - just a lot of noise with stupid lyrics. "The Pressman" is a mix of soft bass moments and very heavy guitar riffs. "Mr. Krinkle", the other big hit of the album, has this strange bass line that makes the song very catchy. Then arrives "The Air Is Getting Slippery"... this Chaplin- esque song is pure comedy - many will find it stupid but I tend to find it funny, although in the same genre I prefer the work of King Missile. "Hamburger Train" is a long improv, in the vein of King Crimson improvs. The album closes with a second little banjo piece and, infortunately, with the insipid "Hail Santa". After all an enjoyable funny album, but clearly not a masterpiece.

Rating: 77/100