BLACK JU-JU
"Universal
Asshole" (Self-produced; 2003)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Black Ju-Ju, who get their name from Alice Cooper's 1971 "Love It To Death" album, sound like they are a 1980s hair band. However, unlike most of those hair bands, Black Ju-Ju rock like a motherfucker from the very first opening riff.
"Universal Asshole" (what a great title!) is heavy, chord-based rock in the vein of Skid Row that instantly infects you with the need for more. The music is top notch and the songwriting is simply outstanding - catchy lyrics full of twists and extremely identifiable storylines.
Most notably there is a song call "Jungle Jazz Juice" (about marrying an ugly woman, because a pretty one will break your heart) and "Family Tree (Ballad of the Redneck)" (about a family tree that does not have any branches; can anyone say "Deliverance?"). And how can you not like a song with the lyric, "I learned everything I know; from re-runs of the Muppet Show."?
I thoroughly enjoyed "Universal Asshole." Plus, In the liner notes, they thank Alice Cooper, Kiss, Elvis Presley and God. You got to love that!
Black Ju-Ju: Daniel Brown - voice; Darren Boyd - guitar; Leo Rodriguez - bass and vocals; Worm Pichette - drums.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 15 Apr 2024 14:51:30 -0400.
