Street Sweeper Social Club - Street Sweeper Social Club

Oh man! I can hardly keep up with what Tom Morello is doing! First, he ditched his electric and grabbed an acoustic for The Nightwatchman and then he dusted off his electric for Street Sweeper Social Club, a collaboration with the emcee Boots Riley. I really wanted to like this. At the start of the first track it sounded like Tom was back to his usual riffage, but after six tracks I just wanted to listen to Rage Against the Machine instead. Boots Riley isn't nearly as versatile or urgent as Zach de le Rocha can be and the crazy Tom Morello solos don't come often enough. Even the most die hard RATM fans don't need to hear this.

David Cross - Bigger and Blackerer

Wooden Ruler Society, I have neglected you. Sincere apologies.

I have been on a huge David Cross kick lately. I've been listening to his old albums. I've scoured YouTube for any stand up clips. I went out and got his DVD Let America Laugh. And if anyone wants to get me a belated birthday present, the Mr. Show: Complete Collection DVD set is fairly cheap. wink wink. David Cross' latest offering, Bigger and Blackerer, is terrific. The thing about David Cross is that, while he's not necessarily laugh out loud funny, he's smart and has something to say. For that reason you are able to listen to his albums repeatedly and it doesn't lose anything. With most comedy albums you can listen to them a couple times, laugh, and then you might as well toss it in the garbage. How many times can you listen to the same joke? It's different with David Cross. If anything, the material takes new shape after repeated listens and never fades on enjoyment.