King Louie One Man Band--Chinese Crawfish
Goner 2005
With a resume that includes stints in the Royal Pendletons, Persuaders, Bad Times, and Exploding Hearts amongst others, news of any release boasting King Louie's involvement rightfully garners a good measure of excitement amongst the faithful. Chinese Crawfish, his latest outing in one man band form, certainly justifies such fan fervor. Wearing his heart on his sleeve over a din of harmonica blasts, guitar jangle, and coffee can clanging, this is the stuff instant classics are made of.
The label one-sheet for this release describes the sound of Chinese Crawfish as "a mix of Jerry McCain and Jerry Clower." This is, in fact, a fair assessment. King Louie grinds out vintage-toned stompers and tearjerkers on this album, all possessing a countrified air which belies his storytelling-styled songwriting ethic. The result is an emotionally raw and honest listen whose charms prove impossible to resist.
While Chinese Crawfish is a platter best consumed in its entirety, there are morsels here delicious as sides. The disc opening "She's A Big Bopper" erupts with a machine gun barrage of awe-inspiring hiccuped vocals, setting the table in style. The brilliantly titled "I'm 13 And Too Ugly To Live" most recalls Louie's more brutal efforts of the past, thanks in large part to the growling vox utilized. "Chinese Crawfish" provides some chuckle worthy entendre, while spoken intros to "Walking With The Light," "Walkin' And A-Steppin' In The Fire," and "I'm A One Man Band" go a long way in reinforcing and accentuating the conversational flow of this listen. It's all superb.
If you've encountered any of the man's past releases, the essential nature of this King Louie One Man Band record should come as little shock to you. Needless to say, the uninitiated are in for one profoundly great and magical treat with Chinese Crawfish. Real and endearing in a way you rarely run across these days, this stuff is truly a gift. Give it a taste--you won't be disappointed. For fans of all the aforementioned acts as well as fellow one man banders such as Hasil Adkins and Jeffrey Novak.
Score this CD directly from GONER
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