Search - Chuck E. Weiss :: Deranged Detective Mysteries

The ultimate scene-maker, Chuck E. Weiss has spent a career hobnobbing with the cool and famous in rock's hierarchy while barely pursuing a career of his own. Born in Denver, Weiss was originally a drummer, touring with bluesman Lightnin' Hopkins. By the late '60s, Weiss had performed and/or recorded with Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Dr. John, Roger Miller, and others. While still living in Denver, he struck up a friendship with singer/songwriter Tom Waits, later writing songs like "Spare Parts" with him and moving to Los Angeles. Living at West Hollywood's infamous Tropicana Motel with Waits and singer Rickie Lee Jones. Weiss put together a band called the G-d Damn Liars and spent the next 11 years performing a weekly gig at the L.A. nightclub the Central and later partnered with friend Johnny Depp to convert the club into the Viper Room. Sounds like some unreleased Tom Waits album that walks in a Twilight Zone between the Beefheart-influenced throb of Swordfishtrombones and the laid-back beatnik vibe of Blue Valentine. When Weiss goes into a shaggy-dog story like the title cut or a lurching stomp such as "Prince Minsky's Lament," it's all but impossible not to compare him to Waits, but in all fairness Weiss is a better than average songwriter, and when he lets his funny side take over (like he does on "Half Off at the Rebop Shop," "Sho Is Cold," or "Piccolo Pete"), he's an enjoyable and absorbing performer. (His sly interpretation of "Primrose Lane" also suggests he could deliver a fine set of standards if he were so inclined.) 1. Prince Minsky's Lament
2. Sho Is Cold - (A Tribute To Sterling Holloway)
3. Novade Nada
4. Half Off at the Rebop Shop
5. Another Drunken Sailor Song - (The Lil' Ligeemo Song)
6. Room With a View
7. Fake Dance - (Slim Harpo Tribute)
8. Primrose Lane
9. 23rd and Stout - (An Accident With Marshall Bell)
10. Man Tan
11. Phone Conversation
12. Piccolo Pete
13. Goodbye, So Long