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There's a Caribbean vibe on this February release, but this is far from traditional applications of steel pans/steel drums. Former heavy metal drummer Tracy Thornton plays the pans, plus drums and bass, and does all with consummate skill. The pans carry the melodies, so the only vocals are chants like the familiar "Hey Ho! Let's Go!"
The "Blitzkrieg Bop" DVD enclosed here illustrates the approach; and Tracy's enthusiasm and love for the songs is palpable.
My favorite tracks are: "I Wanna Be Sedated," where the song dips into reggae-land toward the conclusion; one of Joey Ramone's early sweet-simple songs, "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend"; the furious stop/start of "The KKK Took My Baby Away"; and the kinky reggae approach to "Pinhead."
The musicianship on this disc is remarkable; but, it comes off as more of a novelty than the "Rockabilly Tribute" disc reviewed last year on Dec. 16. Still, if you'd like to sample a truly different take on songs many folks are beginning to see as classics, grab this heaping helping of pan-fried punk at local stores or online at www.panforpunks.com.
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