Album of the week - Was (Not Was)

Published on Friday 4 April 2008 16:28

WAS (NOT WAS)

BOO!

****

RYKODISCS, 10.99

One of the darkest, most subversive groups ever to have a novelty dance hit, Detroit's Was (Not Was) subsequently became better known by their co-founder Don Was's illustrious career as a record producer.

The mighty voices of Sweet Pea Atkinson and 'Sir' Harry Bowens were most gainfully employed by Lyle Lovett in his Large Band, but after an eternity they are rightly restored to this psychedelic funk setting.

After all this time these guys do the good, the baaaaaad and the downright disturbing like no others.

David Was's lascivious eccentricities are given an airing on 'Needletooth', but permeate throughout, colouring the acid jazz workout of 'Forget Everything' and grim symbolism of 'Head To The Heart'. Evangelical soul workout 'Mr Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' has Sweetpea ripping up in the Stax style but was co-written by Bob Dylan, while Bowen's sweet backing vocal arrangements authenticate the soul swing of 'Crazy Water'.

The slow burn of 'Green Pills On The Dresser' ends proceedings on an understated high, so to speak, with Kris Kristofferson having a reserved blast on guest lead vocal, always threatening to break into country soul from a spoken gravely growl.

An unexpected but thoroughly welcome return from a motley crew of musical renegades. George W Bush gets surprisingly little grief.

Download this: Mr Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Big Black Hole