Protest singers are in short supply these days, but
Fifteen's
Jeff Ott more than makes up for it by dropping this double album of social observation and critique. Armed only with his acoustic guitar,
Ott takes aim at oppressors of all varieties, including his greedy landlord, alcoholic wife-beaters, plus the heroin and AIDS epidemics with his well-thought lyrics. "Radio Conspiracy" takes a controversial dig at piggish, controlling broadcasting corporations like Clear Channel, while the contentious "9/11 Is Still a Joke" is deeply critical of the way most Americans have reacted to the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Other tragedies, like "Georgia," which addresses the brutal murder of a 12-year-old girl, get a less subjective depiction, but none of
Ott's songs here are for the light-hearted. Yet for all the pain in his world, the arrival and presence of
Ott's own daughter seems to have given his music some glint of optimism. Admittedly, experiencing two discs of
Ott's positioning, regardless of what side of his argument you're on, can be a little overwhelming and is recommended in small doses. Just the same, the folks at Sub City deserve accolades for giving
Ott's cold, hard look out of America's back door a forum. ~ John D. Luerssen