Neil Michael Hagerty, Plays That Good Old Rock And Roll EP (Drag City) 9
Fans of Royal Trux who freaked out when one of the best rock bands of the past decade broke up, fear not. On his solo debut last year, Neil Michael Hagerty showed that he was indeed the heart, brains and soul of the duo. I'd like to say I'll miss Jennifer Herrema's cat-scratch on chalkboard vocals, but . . . did I mention how great that solo album was? Recorded by himself, he experimented with electronic sounds while still managing to sound gritty and earthy. He also, however, sounded a bit lonely. So this time around he brought his touring band into the studio -- Tim Barnes, Seven and Dan Brown -- and popped off an inspired nine song EP that eschews the 'lectronics for "Good Ol' Rock 'n' Roll." Yet there is nothing old or ordinary about it. The band manages to use the blues motifs that Royal Trux had become known for, while sounding utterly original. Hagerty is on a roll, his guitar playing is on fire. Plays showcases his shit hot guitar playing. The riffs cascade like a never-ending stream of lava, fusing VU's "I Heard Her Call My Name," Captain Beefheart, MX-80 Sound, the no wave of DNA, jazz fusion, country, R&B and even some violins. Guitar playing isn't Hagerty's only genius. An accomplished writer (he's working on a second novel), his lyrics are often scattered, but always provocative, covering conspiracy theories, Internet porn and emergency prayers. Don't expect reverent traditionalism, but do plan to be rocked.
