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| EIGHT BALL - FAMOUS FRAMUS BAND (April 2006) |
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| Although Famous Framus (also known as Michael Brent MaGarrey) has proven he�s more than capable of holding his own as a solo singer-songwriter, he�s ready now to dress up his musical creations. Through most of Eight Ball, the metronomic pointer is tilted to �11�, with drummer Dave Gould and harmonica-man/back-up vocalist Mitch Leblanc accompanying guitar-maniac/vocalist Famous Framus. While �the song remains the same� (with the exception of �Alberta Girl�), this reworking of tunes from his 5-CD collection of acoustic numbers is a nuclear transformation that happily fails to detract from its humble origins. It�s all a matter of personal preference in the presentation. The opening track, �Methamphetamine Letdown/Breakdown�, formerly called �Let Down�, originates from his Troubled Mind CD. �Sober Blues� and �Bad Man�, two of the better tracks from his last solo release, Slim, are wisely included in the mix. �She Might Not Love Me� and �Feelin� Down� are from Love Songs? and �Let�s Be Friends� is from Rough Stuff. �Delta Stomp� is from the debut solo release, Off the Floor (which title may or may not also refer to an actual change of corporeal positioning). I would have personally chosen different selections in making this enhanced compilation CD, especially as the basic arrangements haven�t changed radically from the aggressively delivered originals, but that�s not to say they don�t have individual merit with or without accompaniment. Dave Gould is a kick-ass expert on the drums, no ifs, ands or buts about it, and the proof of his rhythmic prowess is that there is no bass player on board, something you probably won�t even notice, unless, of course, you play that instrument yourself. Mitch Leblanc provides a juicy, full-force dimension that complements the phenomenal guitar work of Famous Framus and his unique fusion of feral punk-blues-rock. Invite some friends over, crank up the volume and blow your nasty neighbours away! |