New York City music pals Matt Verta-Ray and Jon Spencer have joined forces to create one of the strongest works in either of their catalogs. Spencer of course led his own Blues Explosion, after the demise of his earlier Pu... more »ssy Galore, while Verta-Ray was rumbling about with the similarly inclined Speedball Baby. The two play off each other throughout these thirteen songs with evident glee. Their contrasting vocal styles are heard to great effect on such tandem numbers as "This Day Is Mine." They're joined by a rotating cast of sympathetic players, but it is the strength of their own character and writing that unifies the disc. Sassy, barbed, punchy, and real, they captured each number with rough and tumble perfection. --David Greenberger« less
New York City music pals Matt Verta-Ray and Jon Spencer have joined forces to create one of the strongest works in either of their catalogs. Spencer of course led his own Blues Explosion, after the demise of his earlier Pussy Galore, while Verta-Ray was rumbling about with the similarly inclined Speedball Baby. The two play off each other throughout these thirteen songs with evident glee. Their contrasting vocal styles are heard to great effect on such tandem numbers as "This Day Is Mine." They're joined by a rotating cast of sympathetic players, but it is the strength of their own character and writing that unifies the disc. Sassy, barbed, punchy, and real, they captured each number with rough and tumble perfection. --David Greenberger
"Raw and raunchy. Gritty and groovy.The way it should be played. A great CD all the way through. Quit reading this and listen to the soundclips, then buy it. This is good basic primal rock. Played for fun with feeling rather than a whole lot of thought.
a good mix of rockabilly, punk blues, murder ballads, and down and dirty swamp rock."
Jon Spencer has found his calling
Derrick Castle | Nashville | 02/06/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a huge fan of Jon Spencer for years and if your like me and have been slightly disappointed in the last couple of records (Plastic Fang, Damage) I mean they arent terrible, they just dont have the edge and replayability of extra width, orange and The Caroline album. This was the revitalization that Jon Spencer needed. I find myself anticipating the next Heavy Trash album much more than JSBX. Its definitely not like The Blues Explosion but its just the right mix of Johnny Brunette, Elvis and Hank Williams combined with a lo-fi modern edge. If you like rockabilly and Gothic Country, completely disregard "Cooljames" comments, this album doesnt say JSBX on it, it says Heavy Trash. By the way, I do agree with the disapointment of 5150 but this aint like that. This album is great!"
Heavy Trash GOOD CD
joe larkin | pa | 05/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What is different is that they are working the rockabilly and early rock side of the street. Tracks like "The Loveless," "Dark Hair'd Rider" and "This Day Is Mine" kick up some serious duck-tailed dust, "The Hump" and "Justine Alright" are crazed handclapping, shouted chorus rockers, and the hip-shaking "Gatorade" sounds like it was recorded at a party in Hasil Adkins' backyard. The tracks that scale back the excitement are very good too; "Fix These Blues" is a pedal-steeled country ballad, "Take My Hand," a doo-wopping lament complete with a spoken interlude and "Under the Waves," a moody, highly arranged murder ballad that might be the best track on the album. Only "Mr. K.I.A." doesn't work, as it brings in some hip-hop influences and is too repetitive and, well, modern-sounding. Spencer is in top form throughout, dropping hilarious asides, hiccupping and whooping, crooning and howling like an unholy blend of Elvis, Gene Vincent and Lux Interior."