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Start with a base of rock and roll, add some funk, stir in some pop and hip hop, and don’t forget some loud, drunken, rowdy bar music. Include equal parts Tenacious D and Adam Sandler’s comedy songs, fold in some carnival music, infuse a healthy libido and warped sense of humor, drop in a dose, and bring to a boil. Now take a close listen, and you will find Boston quartet Spookie Daly Pride’s latest release Medicine Chest.
The band’s sophomore effort, also on Funzalo Records, is at times indeed sophomoric, but it also possesses a certain charm that can’t quite be fingered. Playful and lighthearted, it’s hard to take Medicine Chest too seriously, but earnestness is clearly not SDP’s mission. Although songs like “Cool Watershed” and “Hope to Hold” are more sincere, the overall theme is that of a bizarre dream from front-man Spookie’s smoked-out mind. Exhibit A: “The Bumpin’ Uglies Song” – “From Buenos Aires down to Bangkok/ Bubba’s got it goin’ on down in Little Rock/ Someone somewhere is bumpin’ uglies right now.” Blended with Spookie’s tweaked-out keyboards, squeaking bedsprings are prominent in the mix, and the result is a Village People meets today’s dance music feel. Exhibit B: “Boogity Man” – “I went into the kitchen/ Poured a big stiff drink/ And I straightened out my head so I could finally start to think/ I thought I can’t lose my baby to no other Boogity Man/ So I rolled up a fatty and I cooked up a plan.” Spookie’s distinct voice is most prominent on this tune, sounding like (a sinister) G. Love.
Spookie Daly Pride is truly genre-defying music. Check out “Sooo Delicious!!!” for its Talking Heads/Korn/Two Live Crew blend. “The Personal Ad Song” boasts, “I don’t eat healthy/ My diet is poor/ You have to be wealthy/ So I don’t have to work no more/ And I like to spend time by myself.” “L’il Red Ridin’ Hood” sounds like it belongs in a Quentin Taratino or Robert Rodriguez film. And “Smacktalkin’ Smacktalker Smacked For Talkin’ Smack” – well… the title speaks for itself.
If you’re a serious music fan looking for serious music, SDP’s Medicine Chest is most likely a “pass.” However, SDP has a genuine and boldly unique sound that could take off if it finds its niche. If you’re looking to be entertained, Spookie Daly Pride’s Medicine Chest may be worth a gamble.
John Smrtic
JamBase | New York
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