The Triumph Of Assimilation
Rubinchik, 2021
8/10
Listen to The Triumph Of Assimilation
Perhaps best known for his time in the ‘90s roots-punk outfit Bad Livers, Mark Rubin has dabbled in countless genres during his esteemed career, and here he’s reminding us in song to not forget about Jews when thinking of the many disenfranchised Americans in today’s divided society.
“A Day Of Revenge” starts the listen with Rubin’s inimitable, husky vocals alongside playful accordion and skilled drumming as some polka ideas enter the anthemic setting, and “It’s Burning” follows with intricate banjo plucking as Rubin’s raw vocals guide the folk and bluegrass inspired bareness.
The middle tracks offer some of the best selections, including the warm acoustic guitar and vivid storytelling of the campfire-esque “The Murder Of Leo Frank”, while “Yiddish Banjo Suite” is an instrumental that displays superb banjo playing amid a hypnotic delivery. “My Resting Place”, the album highlight, then recruits Danny Barnes on banjo for a unique version of Americana that’s quite insightful in its social commentary.
Further still, the upbeat and charming “Good Shabbes” is a feel good tune of breezy melody and soaring vocals, and “Spin The Dreidel”, one of the busiest tunes, brings sousaphone, gang vocals, accordion and plenty of energy to the festive exit.
Rubin embraces his cultural heritage in spades on this clever, important record, where folk, Klezmer, bluegrass, rock and many other ideas are fleshed out. An effort that addresses deep seated anti-Semitism while also being poetic, wise and even, at times, fun, the Jew of Oklahoma is still finding unique places to reside with his always exceptional songwriting.
Travels well with: Danny Barnes- Man On Fire; Hot Buttered Rum- Lonesome Panoramic