CAN KICKERS:Were Dying But We Ain't Dead
2006 Cosmodemonic Telegraph

If you're a fan of New London, CT's Can Kickers, you've most likely been hearing these songs live for some time and will appreciate finally having them on a shiny piece of plastic. Since Mountain Dudes in 2003, we've only had the 4-track Fire In The East, Fire In The West EP to sustain us. Two of that EPs tracks (Raise A Ruckus and Nevermind) get a facelift here, but you still gotta get the 7 if you want Paddy Wont You Drink Some Good Ol' Cider or Johnny Walker.

Were Dying begins with Hoppin' John, a short but energetic instrumental that swings right into a medley of Nevermind and Rabbit In the Pea Patch, a live favorite. Then with its zany kazoo intro and furious finish, Strike The Bell is one of the catchiest tracks on the disc. Don't say I didn't warn you when you find it firmly embedded in your brain days later. The lovely waltz that gives the album its name is next. Close your eyes and you can almost see couples whirling around the dance floor. Liza Jane is my favorite track on the album and a great showcase of the bands talents. Danny Spurrs guitar is top notch, Dan T's fiddle has never sounded better and Doug Schaefers washboard is just ri-goddam-diculous. Bile That Cabbage Down is a song I used to love hearing on an old Smothers Brothers LP my brother owned in the early 70s. Next is one of their most manic live songs, Raise A Ruckus. It's a house burner featuring Dan Thompson on the jaw harp. The first time I heard the Kickers play Hell Be Comin' Round the Mountain live, I realized another reason I like this band: when I was a child (during the Punic Wars) my grandmother used to sing this song as she bounced me on her knee. Memories like that just tickle my ass.

The Can Kickers three previous CDs have all included a version of Greasy Coat and this one is no exception. Here it features (ready for this one?) a turntable, something the bands been whispering about for some time. Sound weird? I was skeptical at first, but after a few listens it's like the scratchins been there all along. Can Kickers music makes you smile. It makes you dance. It makes you remember. Pick one. Pick them all. This is, above all, a fun band. If you've seen them live, you know where I'm coming from.

I realize these guys are friends of mine, but I find it difficult to say anything bad about a band that gets better with each album. And this is indeed their finest to date. I remember five years ago when Doug Schaefer bounced into the WCNI studio during my show and announced he and a couple friends were starting an old-time music band. I looked at him like he had three heads. Shows you what I know. Get yourself a copy of Were Dying But We Ain't Dead and revel in the uniqueness that is the Can Kickers.

This review provided by Marko. Check out Marko's Punk Rock Jukebox on WCNI in New London (90.9, Thursdays at noon) and on WECS in Willimantic (90.1, Fridays at 11am)

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