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Review: Splendid e-zine by Theodore Defosse, Oct 11, 2002 If I were in high school, and I lived next to one of these guys, I hope I could admit how much I liked their music. Slurp Deluxe's NRBQ melodies and vibe -- created when love for the Beatles, country, and Pavement clash -- have an infectious, homegrown appeal, and their stories ring true. You hear songs in which guys meet Robert Plant, grow apart from childhood buddies and slap sports utility vehicles. The lyrics always seem to be on the verge of collapse, but they never falter. "It's My Job" ("It's my job, I know my part / You've got the horse before the cart / I got the coconut, you got the lime") has all the musical glories of Little Village's "Do You Want My Job?", except it sounds more authentic, while songs like "Stand and Deliver" (about Bob "stealing two cents as a member of a second grade crime circle") do not forget the pathos when recalling memories worth laughing about. In fact, they play the song for sadness, and it works. As a self-released band that can do whatever they damn well want, Slurp Deluxe also make the best of their independence. Stuck in the middle of twenty songs is a charming intermission with circus peanuts, and relatives screaming for "Slurp", while the music takes the Martin Newell approach -- creating new genres by playing whatever instruments the band members find before them. Pedal steel, mandolin and banjo keep the group on a country-flavored course, but you also get snippets of rockabilly, psychedelic shades of pink and a ragged, beat-down romanticism ("Things I might've said / All the things you meant to me") that bears more than a passing resemblance to Paul Westerberg's lyrics ("Things I wanna tell you / How you make me feel / How you look to me, and how good it feels"). If the flavors feel like stuff you've tasted before, it's because you probably have; "Poughkeepie's least descript band", as Slurp Deluxe describe themselves, play music because they love music, including other people's music. When pieces from great old melodies seep into their own, it's with the art, love and passion of Georges Perec, who dressed up his prose with description from Stendhal, Queneau, Jarry, and maybe even you. I'm grateful that the band submitted Dog Dog to Splendid, as I know I wouldn't have listened otherwise. Two of the band members look like they're brothers of Donald Sutherland and Peter Yarrow, while the younger characters are Elks Club recruits. They have the look of bands I'd expect to hate, yet they're far and away one of the most enjoyable lo-fi acts around. This debut, culled from six years of playing, packs the CDR to its maximum 79 minutes, yet somehow leaves you wanting more. Among the greatest moments, there's "Seven Eight", which recalls the Cleaners' "Albion's Daughter" before matching Stephen Malkmus and Pavement in all but thinking up such a groove first. "Stupidity" is another highlight, and gains bonus points for working in plenty of subtle wisdom before you realize that the band have drilled their point into your head with endless repetition ("They call it a disease, a disease, a disease, a disease"). You can definitely say you live in a lucky town if you have a local band that's half as good as this. I live in DC, but there's no local act here with a package this complete: good humor, gifted playing, zillions of good melodies and a wonderfully affordable price. If my guess is right, Slurp Deluxe's upcoming gig at the South Hills Mall is free, so check 'em out! Ignore the fact that they might look like your parents, and admit the truth: they're the reason why American music still thrives. -- Theodore Defosse BIOGRAPHY (by Nutman Records): Slurp Deluxe began in 1997 as a side project of Bob Greenlese and Gerald Strait, then part of the Hudson Valley band Stark Raving Nudies. The two wrote songs and occasionally performed them at parties and local open mic nights as Slurp. The addition of Todd Doughty and John Hathaway in 1998 made Slurp Deluxe complete. SD began recording their songs and playing local clubs and parties for the next two years. The band has continued to write, record and occasionally perform after Bob's move to Vermont in 2000. Work on their next release began in June 2002. Slurp Deluxe writes from past experiences combined with random events. Musical influences vary among the group. Todd is rooted in the Beatles and Zeppelin, and has a soft spot for pounding dance music. Bob's tastes are scattered among Pavement, Flaming Lips and Wilco as well as 60's British rock. John began as a pianist playing roots country music in the late 50's and has held those influences. John is probably responsible for whatever twang may be present in SD's songs. Gerald's influences range from Neil Young to Paul Westerberg to Dean Wareham. Having never been able to characterize their musical style when asked, they will tell you "We simply write and play what sounds good to us". Check out the artist's website: http://www.slurpdeluxe.com Track List: 1. Uncle Charlie 2. Cake 3. Where the Grass is Brown 4. Sport Utility Vehicle 5. Casual Sex 6. The Bear Song 7. Toady 8. It's My Job 9. Grippies 10. Stand and Deliver 11. Intermission 12. Naked Pigmies 13. Am I Crazy 14. List of Camping Equipment 15. Sports Fan 16. Harry and Oscar 17. Seven Eight 18. Stupidity 19. Stop, Drop and Roll 20. New Jersey Tribute 21. Bob Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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