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February 14, 2006
Ridiculous lyrics doom latest from Electric Six
One would think that a band from Detroit would take music more seriously, but Electric Six ignores this notion completely with their sophomore release Se¢or Smoke.
Commenting on the significance of the album title, frontman Dick Valentine says, “The title is a reference to a pitcher on the Detroit Tigers from the 80s, the team that won the World Series, called Aurelio Lopez, who was known as ‘Se¢or Smoke.’ So we’re paying homage to Detroit, the Tigers, and also to the fact that we’re smoking a great deal of marijuana these days.”
Valentine feels that it was necessary to compare Six’s recent work to the less outlandish “Noah’s Ark,” which draws the line between the band’s creative periods. Perhaps if they aimed to pay homage to Detroit, Valentine should have thought about writing some thoughtful, impressive, or insightful lyrics. This does not occur.
At a few points in the album, the band unsuccessfully steps into the political arena with songs such as “Jimmy Carter.” Few groups are able to diverge from an overall tone of an album and interject serious tracks; Electric Six is no exception. They really should have just stuck to their attempt at being humorous in this case. If the group ever wants their commentary heard and taken seriously they will have to take themselves more seriously.
At times it did seem as though Six was making an attempt at being a serious band. Their musical abilities are fabulous, especially if you like disco and techno beats. However, as soon as the lyrics begin on Se¢or Smoke, things get annoying and you will want to turn it off.
The lyrics are bad enough by themselves, but Valentine’s synthesized voice throughout the album is absolutely disturbing.
It is clear that the band is trying its hardest to be humorous throughout the album with such tracks as “Bite Me” and “Vibrator”. They fail at this horrendously; the lyrics are just embarrassing, not funny.
If you are one who appreciates stupid humor, you may take something from this album, which bears striking similarity to the group’s first album Fire and its single “Danger! High Voltage,” with its glowing-genital-area video.
The songs of Electric Six are like the music of The Rocky Horror Picture Show without the awesomely bad goodness. However, if you enjoy good beats and stupid humor, then you are likely to appreciate this album. I know I am certainly hoping to see some phenomenal videos to make up for the lackluster lyrics of Se¢or Smoke.
Electric Six will be at First Avenue on March 24
Posted by dwright at February 14, 2006 12:06 PM
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