Search - Saw Doctors :: Play It Again Sham

Saw Doctors, an amazing set of tunes

Emily | MA | 11/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finding this album in my local record store was like finding the missing link in the Saw Doctors' music. Sure, they say it's all b-sides and the less standard tunes, but "Play it Again, Sham!" is the closest thing to a comprehensive collection of great tunes by this band that reminds us just what rock 'n' roll is supposed to be about. Yee-haw. As I listen to this album yet AGAIN, I find myself wondering how it's POSSIBLE that a lot of these songs never made it to a standard release album. "World of Good" is one of their very best songs, with some of their best lyrics--come on, it could be up there with N17 and other classics. But let's talk about a few more highlights, eh?
"I'd Love to Kiss the Bangles." Raucous, yes, fun, yes...rock, yes please.
"Bless Me Father;" now come on, another Saw Docs classic, best in concert but then all these tunes are! Another solid, incredibly addictive rock tune that's another in their immortal series of Church/lust songs...and who doesn't love those? While we're at it, "Howya Julia" is an equally illustrious member of this set, perhaps even catchier. Think "Hay Wrap" and "Bless Me Father" and some red-hot scandal (ouch!) all morphed into one awesome song that may cause you to break out some of your best funky dance moves....or maybe rap moves...or...
At first I was NOT a fan of "Crock of Gold" or "Small Bit o' Love" but after about the third listen to each I was hooked...these have a real country-western feel, wonderful and bouncy tunes. The latter has some especially nice lyrics, too.
"We're the Popsuckers" is...amusing...but then you realize that as it glorifies pop it creates a dang catchy pop tune of its own. And ya know what? These guys have good taste...the Kinks AND Buddy Holly? Oh yeah, rock on boys!
"Bushwackin'" is another great raucous tune, but as always the Saw Doctors do it with a REAL sense of GRACE and MUSICALITY that makes them so unique.
"Sound Sham" is maybe my very favorite song here, again I can't believe this isn't on an album...A great rock song with a wonderfully strong beat, it is also a beautiful song at second listen. Love the cathedral-bell motif in here, extremely unique and genuinely REFRESHING. Now I just have to work on deciphering the words...
"Letter from Louise" has some of their most poignant and insightful lyrics to date.
"Where's the Party ?!?!?!?!?!" is a great live recording of the tune, with a fun lengthy talking intro...it's a Saw Docs live party tune in the purest sense, there's no depth to the message but it makes you feel great, HaPPy, fun...this recording manages to capture a sense of their stunning live energy. So in the end, what have we here?? A mixture of raucous rock feel-good tunes, and some really insightful and sensitive songs...that still make you feel good about the world and the fate of popular music...So if you're looking for an intro to the Docs, or if you're already a fan, or if you happened accross this randomly, I reccomend this HIGHLY. Perhaps most of all the Docs' albums. There's something here for everyone, but you're also going to have to take my word for it that you'll like almost every single song on here...actually you'll love them. An amazing set o' tunes!"

Play it again and again and again.......

stephenjcox2 | brooklyn, ny United States | 02/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"as a saw doctor fan I was ecstatic to here of this release. I had only heard of 3 songs before(World of good, Apples, sweets etc...and Bless me father) and was very curious to see what constitutes a 'b' side from the Doctors. All I can say is I was hooked from listen #1. Kiss the Bangles, Michael D, Small ball, Broke my heart, Sound sham, etc.. are all great , catchy pop songs with awesome lyrics. I agree with Dan Aquilante of the NY Post who said there wasn't a bad track on the album. I believe that anybody who hears this as their first taste of the Saw Doctors will be very impressed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"

This CD is to the Saw Doctors what Tracks is to Springsteen

stephenjcox2 | 12/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I, a New Jerseyite has had the the fortune of falling in love with, and marrying a Gallwegian. I never thought I'd love a band as much as the E Street Band, until my bride turned me on to the Saw Doctors. Like Bruce and the E Streeters, they are so provincial, they are universal. This CD is to the Saw Doctors what Tracks is to SpringsteenBuy this CD. This is all the off the wall stuff that makes them unique. Buy everything else, they've put out as well."