Search - Jon Blues Explosion Spencer :: Plastic Fang

Multiple Listens Brings Rewards

Chris 444 Lockhart | Asheville, NC USA | 04/19/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an excellent rock album that falls perfectly into Jon Spencer's musical progression. Fans of early Blues Explosion may not find what they are looking for, but they probably did not enjoy the previous album or two either. (...) As each album from Jon and crew has been more focused musically than the one previous, this album is their most focused offering yet. Apparently, they took these songs on the road before recording the album. While some of the spontaneous feeling is lost, so much more is gained in quality.Lyrically, this is the most advanced work Jon has done, to the best of my knowledge. This is a conceptual album hidden slightly among typical Blues Explosion puncuation. While the video for 'She Said', and album cover and title push the werewolf theme forward, a closer listen makes it apparent that the werewolf theme is only a motif, or metaphor in this case. The story is told in chronological order, across the majority of the twelve tracks. And the tale told is a story of infidelity, guilt, sin, and loss of love.I have been listening to the Blues Explosion since 1996, and am not a so-called newcomer. I have all of their albums and enjoy them all. However, 'Plastic Fang' and 'Acme' are the only Blues Explosion albums that I will play all the way through without skipping any tracks. This album has suffered from poor reviews, mostly from those who only listened to the album once, and did so trying to hear 'Extra Width' and being disappointed that they did not do so. Make no mistake, this is the same Blues Explosion.. however, they have progressed past that point. If you are new to the Blues Explosion, this, or 'Acme' would be a great place to start. If you are a long time Jon Spencer fan, listen to this album with an open mind.. and you may find that you actually enjoy it in its own right. In summary, this is a great album, and I highly recommend it."

A Hell of A Rockin' Roll Record

Schmaddio | 07/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For the life of me I can't figure out how people can call this record "too mainsteam" or "too accessible"???? While there are some great melodies throughout Plastic Fang it's also raw rowdy and unpredictible as usual. The first four songs along with track 10 are outstanding and the rest are top notch heavy reverb JSBX rockabilly-like alternative blues rockers. Don't hesitate to pick this one up."