In Print  Home  Directories  Reviews  Get In Touch  Forums  Links  Gig Guide  

Fats White: Open Your Buck 'N' Ears

This album from Powertool Records is refreshingly unlike most music available - satirical punk rockabilly comes close to an apt description. Often accompanied simply by a fat sounding acoustic guitar, Fats White assumes the role of social observer and renovator of words. Silver Shoes is an account of the unsavoury dealings between a drug addicted prostitute and a businessman; Planet Boy begins with: "Have you ever been lonely? Are you loathsome tonight?" The charm of this album is its raw simplicity. Sounds like the creaking of a chair and string noises create a live feel. Though I doubt this musician loses much sleep polishing his vocal takes, he still manages to engage the listener with an often fragile, gentle voice that shifts to rock mode when required. When others are used on this recording, traditional arrangements are avoided. Apart from the obligatory guitar, bass and drums - and horns, washboards and even a carpenter's saw are employed. If you enjoy back to basics, though provoking music with a twist, go out and buy this album.