If Pete Seeger had been a member of the Clash, circa 1979, this is probably the sound they would have created. Mike Thomas, the principle writer for the band, wears his influences on his sleeve on this debut album, but he is still able to make his own distinct style of folk/alternative rock. Listen for Tex Morton, Pete Seeger, punk influences, and traditional folk songs all rolled into one beautiful sound. He also manages to cover a great many topics, such as infanticide ("The Infanticide of Marie Farrar"), women's rights ("Ladies Lounge"), and poverty ("Hungry Years"), all within a Marxist's perspective. Pretty impressive for a debut rock album. And, he is able to mold such diverse topics around some very accessible, if not downright addictive melodies. The band is tight, and this tightness helps shape the songs into intense, thought-provoking melodramas. Weddings, Parties, Anything were able, very early in their career, to carve out their own sound, which is a remarkable achievement for a young band. Overall, a great album that will reward the brave new listener.
© Aaron Badgley /TiVo