Spencer Sings The Hits
In The Red, 2018
8/10
Listen to Spencer Sings The Hits
The always exceptional and prolific Jon Spencer returns with a solo album, and he’s in fine company as Sam Coomes and M. Sord are on hand to help flesh out the dozen swagger filled and distortion friendly anthems.
“Do The Trash Can” starts the listen spacey, bluesy and full of raw rock’n’roll soulfulness, and “Fake” continues the setting with plenty of slinky bass lines amid a fuzzy garage rock delivery that’s full of funk nods, too.
Near the middle, “Ghost” offers a percussive and spirited execution of retro-rock fun, while “Beetle Boots” moves with a quick pace of quirky ideas and full throttle rock, Jon Spencer style. “Wilderness”, one of the album’s strongest tracks, then flows with a sturdy rhythm where skilled guitar work complements the rockabilly meets punk meets soul formula that Spencer pretty much has a patent on.
Near the end, “I Got The Hits” might be the most accessible tune with its jangly melody and tuneful noise you won’t tire of anytime soon, and “Cape” exits the listen with a firm groove amid a punk riff that will have you digging out your Cramps records.
Though this is Spencer’s debut on his own, he’s already been part of Pussy Galore, Boss Hog, and, most notably, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Here he takes bits of all his musical endeavors for another fine installment of his impressive discography that longtime fans will certainly appreciate.
Travels well with: Black Pistol Fire- Deadbeat Graffiti; G. Love- The Juice