Ostensibly, this is another limp slap on the face of proper acid jazz. But since when has anything "proper" been any good? While the originals for both "Son of Mook" and "Get Some Sleep Tiger" give off the impression of goatee-encrusted musicianship, it's the song's textural backgrounds that reward patient listeners with abstract niceties. As the halting grooves of
Depth Charge's mix outline with a big magic marker,
Red Snapper is at their most interesting when they play around with background electronic samplers and personalized drum'n'bass patter while keeping the jazz façade only as a template.
Plaid's mix, however, might divide devotees. The mix appears to subvert the band's tricks with a rolling, almost sneering series of bass drums and (probably) seal squeaks that might rankle with acid jazz fans expecting a bit more seriousness. Regardless,
Mooking is a workable yet worthwhile sideshow of
Red Snapper's abilities. Magic markers and all. ~ Dean Carlson