CD REVIEWS
By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
Uncle Kracker
“Happy Hour”
Atlantic Records
Uncle Kracker first became known as the DJ in Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker Band. But after leaving Kid Rock, he has established a successful solo career as a singer with an Everyman voice that unites rock, country and Hip-Hop fans. “Happy Hour” is Uncle Kracker’s latest example of his ability to reach mainstream music fans of all tastes as he delivers 12 radio friendly songs filled with easy-to-identify-with lyrics, straight-ahead beats and touches of studio gadgetry that don’t distract from the songs. “Smile,” the album’s first single, is one of the few pop tunes on “Happy Hour,” which leans more towards light country with songs like “Another Love Song” and “My Girlfriend.” On the last track, Uncle Kracker lends his soulful voice to Bob Seeger’s iconic “Mainstreet,” yet makes it his own. CV
(Uncle Kracker performs Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at People’s Court. Tickets are $23 through Midwestix.)
Viva Montesa
“Smoke & Mirrors”
Independent release
The MySpace page for Des Moines rock duo Viva Montesa boldly proclaims: “Critically acclaimed as being 30 years too late!” Brash marketing aside, the guitar-drums duo of brothers Ted and Gary Schwick might be right. Viva Montesa, a two-piece outfit from Montesa, Spain, that moved to Des Moines to “give the town the business… the sexy, sexy business,” plays like it’s 1975 all over again on its new, independent EP “Smoke & Mirrors.” Dirty, garage rock riffs and big drum sounds help this duo fill a surprising amount of musical space as it delivers six original songs that recall the days of classic rock bands, but likely will appeal to younger fans who have grown up listening to The Black Keys. “Grind That Axe” opens the EP with a stoner-rock bang before the brothers reveal their metal influences on “Keep It Nasty” and “The One and Only.” CV
(Visit www.vivamontesa.net for details about upcoming shows.)
