Cash Money [Audio], Halos Of Smoke And Fire (Touch & Go) 8+
The first time I saw Chicago's Cash Money play they had set up a hotplate onstage and fried up a big slab of bacon. I think I saw them smirk when vegetarians in the audience choked on the smoky smell, which nevertheless mingled well with the thick guitar chords and fatty drums. The sound was so full, one would never have imagined that they were only a two piece. I kept looking for the bassist hiding under the stage, but no bass was needed. Formed by former God And Texas singer/guitarist John Humphrey, Cash Money play lurching urban redneck rockabilly-blues that occupies a space left between the defunct Mule and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Their liner notes contain a hilarious disclaimer that reads, "In an Effort to dissuade ever present critical ears from making misguided comparisons to contemporary artists, Cash Money gratefully acknowledge and tip their hats to the works of: Johnny Cash, Freddie King, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top and Elvis Presley. Any other incidental or accidental hat tipping is purely coincidental and thereby unintentional." Had ZZ Top gotten to know Scratch Acid back in early 80s Austin . . . well nevermind. Their first album, Broken Hearts and Broken Wills, was a perfect supplement to their propulsively raucous live shows. Their new album attempts to stretch out with the Sun Records boogie of "Ashes to the Wind," bluesy shuffle of "Drowning Boat," the heartfelt country ballad "Evangeline," and the mournful violin of Dirty Three's Warren Ellis on "Mask Of Amontiago." It's a valiant effort, but the songwriting falls short of building upon their previous accomplishments and influences. While it adds nothing new to the rock canon, fans will dig it, and they continue to be an ass-kickin' live band. But when the bacon smoke clears, they might want to consider adding some other ingredients to their diet before they keel over with clogged arteries.
