Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog - Party Intellectuals

Every once in a while an album comes along that so thoroughly satiates my musical interests and desires at that given period of my life that I develop a special connection to the album and its music. It's a symbiotic relationship where the album doesn't just define a season of listening, but my life also seems to lend the musical contents particular meaning and context.

Party Intellectuals has been that kind of album for me over the course of the last few months. Its ebullient, irreverent spirit is refreshing and liberating, and I haven't heard a modern album that embodies the ethos of rock and/or roll so well in ages.

I always knew that Marc Ribot was an incredibly talented musician through his wide array of musical activities, but when I first put on this album with no preconception of what kind of record it was, I was pleasantly surprised to say the least.

First, the basics: a classic power trio format consisting of Marc Ribot, bassist Shahzad Ismaily, and drummer Ches Smith. In addition to playing guitar, Ribot is featured as a highly effective vocalist. A mix of vocal and instrumental tracks, loud rock and roll, noise, punk-funk, and spacious ambient explorations. Ribot's lyrics are sharp, funny, and poignant, and his delivery as a vocalist fit the aesthetic and feel of the writing even if his voice isn't necessarily the strongest.

I don't want to belabor any predecessors or comparisons, but think Mr. Bungle and Last Exit's illegitimate bastard love child, raised by wolves. Really culturally refined wolves with exquisite taste in music.

The production and mix on the album is fantastic, and they achieved the huge drum and guitar sound necessary to make this brand of music really work.

Another great release from Pi Recordings, a label whose track record continues to impress me. They've cultivated a level of trust in their activities that I would not hesitate to purchase any album in their catalog.

A great summer album: fun, blasphemous, occasionally indulgent, and most of all, it rocks.