September 2004 October 2004 November 2004
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Chris Burke with Joe & John deMasi-…Singer with the Band
Zoom Express Records, 1994.
By Joe Younglove
Virtually a flawless record, …Singer with the Band is Chris Burke’s finest work. Some say Burke, affectionately known as “Corky” from his days on the television show Life Goes On, would be nothing without the help of Italian twins Joe & John deMasi, but have you ever seen those Italy sillies since this album dropped in 1994?
Burke carries the album by repeating everything the deMasi brothers sing. The opening track, a cover of The Beatles “Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da,” tells the listener Corky means business. However, it is not a true cover, because Corky says, “Molly is the singing in the band,” thus nullifying the album title reference. Obviously, the production team did not put Corky in charge of words. I’m assuming his only responsibility was to read big letters off pretty-colored signs.
There are many odd moments during the first track, including the part where Corky says something to the effect of “…Buys a 20-karat golden ring” and a telephone ring sounds.
The most startling aspect of the album cover is Mr. Burke’s sweater. It’s a painfully colorful article, fashioned like a polo shirt with a collar and some large buttons, worn over a black turtleneck. Clearly, the producers dressed him up like that to symbolize Corky as a hallucinogenic nature boy.
“Everybody in the Pool” is a jazzy number, teaching us that when the apples are red and cow moos twice, you know it’s time to get your ass in the pool. About two minutes into the song, a bone-crushing breakdown makes a plea for vacationing to Maine, fishing and flying like an aeroplane. When the song winds down, the listener is left exhausted, deliriously looping the advice, “Everybody grab a buddy there’s a party in the pool.”
“Eating is Fun, Eating is Serious” is undoubtedly the crowning achievement of …Singer with the Band. It's self-help rock for the future of nutrition. Although, at the end of the song Corky whispers the perplexing line, “Eating is so much fun, yeah,” thus canceling out the song’s message of more veggies, less pizza. Pizza is funner.
The New Kids on the Block-inspired “Forever Girl” is four minutes of utter tragedy. It’s a bit discouraging when Corky delivers the line, “Girl, I will love you forever and ever,” because he has no idea what he’s saying. I’m not sure there is anything left after forever.
The album closer, “All Walk Together,” takes fairy-rock to levels many thought were not possible. The deMasi brothers cry out about the moon smiling down upon another summer’s night, which is fine. But then Corky says, “And love, let it shine let it grow,” and I’m left foaming at the mouth with visions of sweater monsters rising out of poisonous swimming pool, shouting about eating serious.