THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION
ACME-PLUS
ALBUM MUTE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1999 REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 29, 1999
I hope everyone knows this by now: The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion is one of
the coolest and best rock bands of today. On seminal albums like "Orange"
and "Now I Got Worry" they've blown the music history to pieces and
assembled the best bits into irreverent, noisy and modern rock'n'roll. Last
year's "Acme" album was a bit different - still first class wild rock, just
not as raw and demented. Instead it was more focused on the groove, probably partly due
to theirs taking the aid of hip hop producer Dan "The Automator" Nakemura.
With "Acme-Plus" they're back in more familiar territory. Consisting of
single B-sides, remixes, outtakes and songs that were left over from the
"Acme" sessions it could have ended up consisting of unfocused bits and
pieces that had best stayed in the archives. Instead it's a well fitting
complement to "Acme"; more raw and unpolished.
The absolutely best songs here are "Get Down Lover" and "Bacon", originally
released on the "Magical Colors" single, the first enhanced with fabulous
brass and the latter with a wicked string section. Stunning are also "Wait a
Minute", Meat Beat Manifesto main man Jack Danger's catchy remix of "Blue
Green Olga", the punky "Electricity" and the amazing Dr John cover "Right
Place, Wrong Time". Not to mention "Lap Dance" where they're guested by
filthy blues singer Andre Williams. They're all sexy, modern rock'n'roll
that once again proves The Blues Explosion to know exactly what they're
doing. And no one twists and shouts like Jon Spencer at his best.
Unfortunately 70 minutes and 19 songs of The Blues gets a bit too much.
Especially since a couple of songs lack focus and lead nowhere. But program
the right tracks on your CD-player and you have an album that almost
outclasses the original "Acme".
KRISTOFFER NOHEDEN