Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's funky, wild blues on critical albums like Orange and Now I Got Worry defined the band in a league of their own. They were intoxicating with Spencer's sexy, vocalic growl; the unity between he, bassist Judah Bauer, and drummer Russell Simins defined raw rock & roll outside of grunge, post-grunge, and modern rock throughout the 1990s. The bamboozled electronica mold of 1998's Acme album was sophistically different, but the grit found in the band's previous work was a bit lax. The band might have known it as well; however, a change in direction was happening. The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's eighth record, Plastic Fang, didn't overlook anything this time, for the album exudes a new power. Spencer and his mates consulted the expertise of a producer, and the slick work of musician/producer Steve Jordan brought the brashness back to front on Plastic Fang. "Sweet N Sour" flourishes with a huge guitar blast and Spencer's tangy, cool vocalic howl has never sounded better. "She Said" composes typical swagger, but it's the Rolling Stones-like romp of "Mean Heart" that's truly killer. It's Spencer's best take on a ballad, too, and it's bittersweet, but he's not totally hung up on love. The explosive wail of "Down in the Beast" definitely says so and the chug-chug-chugga rawk of "Money Rock'N'Roll" rollicks even harder. Spencer, as a songwriter, is impressive and the Blues Explosion's collaboration with Dr. John and Bernie Worrell on the seductive, bluesy brood of "Hold On" suggests that Plastic Fang isn't exactly focused on one particular sound. It's simple and the depth behind the band's musicianship has expanded into something fiery once more. With Jordan's assistance, Plastic Fang sounds live and abrasive, and it's infectiously undeniable. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide