The Jabbers--American Standard
Steel Cage 2004
Most renowned for having had the late GG Allin as their frontman, the Jabbers are back making music after a twenty year absence. The punk rock landscape has changed a great deal over those two decades but you'd never know it listening to their new album American Standard. In a time where any semblance of authenticity in this kind of music seems on the verge of extinction, the Jabbers come through with the real deal. The result is a platter which is at once triumphant comeback, tasteful throwback, and magnificent modern masterpiece.
Soundwise, the Jabbers have made a slight shift from their glory days. American Standard occupies a sonic slot just between their classic Always Was, Is, And Always Shall Be album and GG's efforts after he became master of the doo doo shotput. This alchemy produces a slightly scummed out take on the early punk rock style they're best known for. It's a cool platform without any other direct reference point and should appeal to both old Jabbers fans and those who continued to follow GG after he struck out on his own.
From a songwriting standpoint, American Standard is a real jaw dropper--completely without flaw. "Vampire Girlfriend" should click well with fans of the New Bomb Turks' best work, while the Jabbers approximate a scummified New York Dolls on "Gone Insane." The vintage vibe really hits on "Redneck Zombie" which structurally recalls a great deal of 60's garage rock. Still, this album is definitely pointed in the scum punk direction and "C*nt Sandwich" proves a new rallying anthem for the form.
It should be noted that former Queers/Tunnel Rats dude Wimpy does a superb job as the new Jabbers vocalist--no one is going to be disappointed in this reworked lineup. That said, American Standard also boasts a trio of bonus tracks with guest vocalists--the short and sweet "Hang You High" with Joe Queer front and center, "Nuke Attack" featuring the clearest recording ever of head ANTiSEEEN heel Jeff Clayton's voice, and the incredible Jeff Dahl fronted pure rock n' roll of "High On Drugs." As killer as they all are, these nice excursions don't hold a candle to the actual album--high praise that has certainly been earned. Ultimately, American Standard is one of the best albums of this year, or any other for that matter. Crucial stuff.
Score this CD directly from STEEL CAGE
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