The Hellbillies - Lakafant

Here’s your Cultural Studies Moment of the Day. The Hellbillies are a Norwegian band, but rather than playing the garage rock that’s made it across the Atlantic, the group plays tradtional American country-rock. Listening to the music (especially on this live track), you could be in any small-town bar in the States … until you notice that none of the lyrics are in English. It’s a bit unsettling to hear the vocals, as the musicians sound so quintessentially American. The dislocation’s compounded by the fact that the band’s a city group (at least judging by the little I’ve been able to glean on them, including the album title *Urban Twang*). Now if someone can help translate some lyrics, we can really get into this.

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Doris Henson- The Power

A few days ago I wrote on The Turntable about Doris Henson’s live show. The best song from that night was this one. “The Power” doesn’t quite have the (cough) force on the debut album as it does in a live setting, but it’s still a good track. You’ve got to imagine the trombone coming about twice as loud to get the full impact it carries. The opening line — “Have you ever been called a whore” — somehow makes a perfect start to the group’s discography, and founder Matthew Dunehoo delivers it perfectly.

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System of a Down- Revenga

I’d have never given System of a Down a chance (rejecting them based on their radio play and apparent nu-metal qualities) until somone with different, but respected tastes convinced me to give them a chance. I’m still far from a SOAD flag-waver, but I’m getting more into what they’re doing. “Revenga” is an ambitious track that succeeds, shifting gears throughout the song to combine various elements fluidly. My original “nu-metal” conception’s gone now. These guys thrash, and they have chops, too. They’re political, aggressive, and fun.

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