Porch Ghouls--Bluff City Ruckus
Roman/Columbia 2003
With the recent success of certain "mainstream garage" bands, it seems more and more major labels are trying to attach themselves to sounds at the very least more authentic feeling than those pumped out by dumbass boy-bands, nu metal poseurs, or the teen pop-princess crowd. Unfortunately, these corporations are more about the bottom line than the sweet science of rock and roll. The result is usually the production of even more fodder, unique only in that it's differently sterile. However, this is one case where someone in "the big leagues" actually got it right. With Bluff City Ruckus by the Porch Ghouls (the first release on Aerosmith axeman Joe Perry's Roman Records), mainstream rock and roll may have its first injection of legitimate soulfulness in ages.
The Porch Ghouls are bound to get lumped into that "mainstream garage" catagory but the tag isn't entirely accurate. In truth, the music on Bluff City Ruckus has its roots firmly entrenched in the blues of the Mississippi delta. Really, this album wouldn't feel too out of place if it were part of the Fat Possum Records catalog. Beyond this fact, the thing that seperates the Porch Ghouls from "mainstream garage" is that they've managed to meaten up and flesh out their material without completely sapping the balls out of the music. A comparitive listen of Bluff City Ruckus to their earlier demo material off mp3.com or the promotional Raising A Ruckus EP confirms this fact resoundly. In fact, this album is one of those rare cases where an already raw sounding band gained a boost in that area through bigger production.
All this said, there are a few moments of potential "commercial viability," here. Thankfully, it's all due to natural flow and not some prefab "marketing strategy." Songs like "Little Candy For Tessie" and "Nine Dollars Worth Of Mumble" are catchy enough in spite of their rootsiness to almost be considered radio ready. Fans of "mainstream garage" should actually find quite a lot to like in both songs, especially "Nine Dollars Worth Of Mumble" with its subtle Beatle-esque feel. There are a couple of standouts in terms of the rockers, as well. Both "Priming The Well" and the title track are full-on unrelenting barnburners sure to please those who don't crave coming up for air.
At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter what label a record comes out on as long as the music is quality stuff. With Bluff City Ruckus, the Porch Ghouls have blessed you with a dose of such quality. These guys really lay it out live, too, so make sure and lend them your support when they're near. Till then, you can offer the Porch Ghouls a hand by picking up a copy of Bluff City Ruckus--it's deserving of your listen.
Get more info on this CD directly from PORCH GHOULS
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