The Jazz Butcher

This is the first studio recording from the Jazz Butcher Conspiracy since 1995's Illuminate. It is also the first time Max Eider, Pat Fish, and Owen Jones played together since 1986's classic Distressed Gentlefolk. Pat Fish continued to use the name after he and Eider split with various names and varying degrees of success. This particular CD has everything that makes a JBC album wonderful. Strong melodies, guitar-focused rock songs, with quirky and witty lyrics. Only this time, Fish and company are somewhat angry (such as the blistering "Mr. Siberia (21st Century Winter)" and "Big Cats"). Musically they revisit the track "Conspiracy (You'll Be All Right)" but without the optimism. Fish's vocals are as earnest and strong as ever, however, the overall production of the CD is somewhat poor, which is a little distracting. However, as a whole this is a great album, full of great songs and stories. Fans will not be disappointed. ~ Aaron Badgley, All Music Guide