In my humble opinion, their first 38 minute self titled album was The Presidents best work. It is this album which contains the songs that began their fame, Lump, Kitty, Peaches and Dune Buggy. As with all albums, it is easy to simply get caught up in the singles and ignore the rest of the work. However, a mixture of the fierce pace, combined with the quality of this album makes this impossible.
1. KITTY �. Released as a single in the USA, this is a strong song to begin any album. The unique sound created by PUSA's bizarre variations of standard rock and roll instruments is immediately evident and it's something which the listener grows to love during the album. * * *
2. FEATHER PLUCKIN �. This is one hell of a song. One of my all time Presidents favourites, the lyrics �. "ten million monkeys all pick up guitars" �. "send a sub-sonic singer through the snot, in the middle of an elephant's long wet cold grey nose" and the evident fun that the guys have during the song makes it a master piece. Kiss my face. * * * * *
3.LUMP �. One of their most famous songs, Lump begins it's rocky feel with a powerful drum beat at the very beginning and it's something which is kept going throughout the song. A great song to hear live or recorded. * * * *
4.STRANGER �. Just when you thought the world was going to explode in a mass of PUSA pie, the pace is finally brought down with this song. Singing about what seems to be love at first sight with "Carla the Stripper" this has an amazingly mellow verse, broken up by a typical Presidents chorus full of neat drum fills. * * *
5.BOLL WEEVIL �. This is a cool song and as with all Presidents songs, great to listen to on a hot summer's day. Singing about a friend who just wont make use of the nice weather. * *
6.PEACHES � This is arguably the Presidents most famous song, especially in England. This was played on TFI Friday in its week of release in 1995 and is what made me aware of the phenomenon that is PUSA. Again, the Presidents lyrics are to be taken with a pinch of salt! "natures candy in my hand or can or pie" * * * *
7.DUNE BUGGY �. This was released in the summer in the US, and it shows. This is a great song full of funny lyrics broken up with a simple chorus and bizarre guitar part.* * * *
8.WE ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE IT �. The lyrics here tell of how the Presidents just aren't good enough to make it in the industry. "There's a million better bands with a million better songs�." The music throughout is bursting with energy and explodes with the chorus. Another favourite of mine, can you tell?!* * * * *
9.KICK OUT THE JAMS �. This song is the only cover on the album. It's credited to Tyner, Davis, Tomich, Smith and Kambes. That's one hell of a credit for one hell of an energetic song! It begins with a lot of fun and screaming and ends a mere 80 seconds later with�. a lot of fun and screaming! * * * *
10.BODY �. Again, the tempo is slowed down here with a very much lyrics based song. Singing about a "little Salamanda" found "all brown and hard" and some more of natures more painful moments, the Presidnts manage to make even death sound funny! Hmm, I'm sorry but it's true! * *
11.BACK PORCH �. Another song released as a single in their homeland, the classic rock feel of back porch tells the tale of an old man happy to sit all say on his back porch and slurping on a peach. * * *
12.CANDY �. This is one of the President's longer songs. The words are undoubtedly the main factor, singing about the "Little yellow sweeties" that are candy.* *
13.NAKED AND FAMOUS �. In my opinion you couldn't choose a better song to end an album with, beginning with very little drums and a mellow bass line, even the first chorus seems to be relaxed. But it isn't long before the Presidents pick up the pace and give us the best Bridge you're ever going to hear followed by typical guitar solo's to the climax. * * * * *
