Ralph Carney & Chris Butler

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Songs For Unsung Holidays

Smog Veil, 2018

8/10

Listen to Songs For Unsung Holidays

A very creative concept album from 2 Ohio legends, Ralph Carney (Tin Huey, The Waitresses, Serious Jazz Project) and Chris Butler (Tin Huey, The Waitresses) collaborate on the aptly titled Songs For Unsung Holidays, where the pair pen tunes about ridiculous, obscure holidays in a comedic fashion that was recorded in their home studios.

“Tapioca Day” starts the album with all sorts of inventive swirling sounds of slide guitar, pedal steel and maybe a kazoo behind the repetitive line of ‘Tapioca Pudding Day’, and “Bald And Free Day” continues the party with spirited guitar work alongside harmonicas and a mix of talking and singing in the playful atmosphere that’s blues tinted.

Later on, “Polka Day” is a quirky tune where horns invade the festive delivery, while “Bubble Wrap Day” flows with a lo-fi garage rock appeal that’s both charming and goofy. “Gorilla Suit Day”, one of the best of the best, then moves with a chunky Americana flavor that’s reminiscent of names like Waits or Dylan.

Deeper highlights include the psychedelic riffage of “Hippie Day”, while the blurry “World UFO Day” is certainly one of the weirdest and most intriguing of the bunch. “Blessing Of The Bikes Day” exits the listen with spoken word that comes off as gospel, as the music floats with a dreamy quality alongside some chanting and even a flute solo.

Sadly, this is a posthumous release for Carney, who died after a fall in his home in 2017, but thankfully it captures his clever and humorous persona, while displaying his unparalleled multi-instrumental skill. Though it’s not a very serious effort as far as subject matter goes, Songs For Unsung Holidays is a seriously fun spin, where unique and unpredictable song craft keep your attention with a firm grin.

Travels well with: XTC- Oranges & Lemons; Tin Huey- Disinformation