Based on the irreverent title (that's not a misprint - it's 'Propane,' not 'profane'), one could reasonably assume there's little New Jersey's Barbeque Bob and the boys hold sacred. With the exception, thankfully, of their music. Judging from the heat and the grease in these grooves, I'd say they take that very seriously indeed!
The Spareribs have been together in one form or another for over twenty years now. On "The Sacred And The Propane," leader Robert Pomery (vocals, guitar, and harmonica) leads the current lineup through a mixed program that includes but is by no means limited to blues. John Lee Hooker's "Burnin' Hell" opens the disc, there's a cover of "Too Late Brother," and the songwriting team of Mr. Pomery and drummer Scott Byrne contribute a handful of tunes that might best be described as 'blues for the end of the millennium - the end, mind, not the beginning, 'cause they're invariably dark and brooding (witness the acerbic "The Preacher," or guitarist Ira Spinrad's lone contribution, "Love Has Turned To Hate"). But elsewhere there's lots of rockabilly ("Hey Little Girl," "Don't Start Cryin' Now"), and a generous helping of heartland rock ("Fat Of The Land," and the gorgeous yet thoroughly unsentimental "Remember").
In short, it's bar band stuff - a varied set list to please the crowds. But the 'Ribs are far above average in both execution - everything's done with admirable efficiency, the kind that comes only with countless gigs (fueled, one would guess, by too much beer, too many cigarettes - and in vision. They're the kind of band who can do basic, unpretentious stuff and make it all theirs. The rhythm section, Dominick Zarrillo and Mr. Byrne, provide a rock-solid foundation that surely keeps dance floors full; Mr. Pomeroy's harp work is simple but invariably effective, and Ira Spinrad employs tone and textures thicker than Mississippi mud. Guests include Neil Thomas and Bruce Martin on piano and Hammond respectively; both are put to good use.
I confess that I approached this one with some misgivings - the packaging is a little on the bizarre side - but am happy to admit that I was pleasantly surprised; it's raw and real, and if it lacks polish that's more than made up for by passion and integrity tempered with a biting wit and a rebellious disregard for expectation. These guys are cool. Their music is cool, too.
Recommended.
DaDa Records
PO Box 112
New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0112
Web: www.bbq-bob.com
Your purchase through this Amazon.com link helps to support this website.
You can now order other CDs, books, and videos from Blues On Stage in association with Amazon.com. Simply click on the logo at the left and shop! They have some of the best prices on the web and even offer some used product at lower prices.
"This review is copyright © 2003 by John Taylor, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."
Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!
You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details).
Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $50.
Web Hosting & Design:
Web Hosting & Design.
Most affordable web hosting and design services available.
Find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.