With the recent surge of former and current punk rockers playing folk, roots rock, bluegrass, etc. of course there is going to be some interest in other related genres. However, I was quite shocked to receive a CD by a jug band for review. My exposure to jug band music is somewhat limited. I grew up with a mother who loved folk music, and dragged me as a kid to folk festivals all over the upper Midwest where I was forced to listen to all sorts of roots music, including the occasional jug band. The only other exposure I've really had is at Christmas time, when I enjoy a song called "Santa Lost a Ho" by The Christmas Jug Band that I first heard on NPR about five years ago. That's about it. So here goes.
Wrong Doings and Done Wrongs is not the type of album that I could listen to on a regular basis. I do find it quite enjoyable though. Is that contradictory? Slightly I guess. There are some good songs here, and some skilled musicians. But I just can't see listening to this during my morning commute, or running errands. Where I do see listening to this album? On a summer roadtrip, on the way to camping, during a BBQ, or spring cleaning, with the windows open for the first time of the year. That being said, let's talk about the songs. Many of the songs on the CD are not originals. They are their renditions of other Jug Band songs, and a traditional song thrown in for good measure. What I want to talk about is their originals. I found the arrangements most interesting here, and although some of the lyrics are a bit quirky, isn't that really the point? I've always assumed it was with Jug Bands. Not to take yourself entirely too seriously. And they do it well. The songs that stand out the most are "Achin' for Some Bacon," which is pretty self-explanatory, and "Bat Sandwich," which could have very well been an Aquabats songs circa 1998. My favorite song though is "Stomp Rag".
Overall, if you're into Chuck Ragan's or Tim Barry's solo work, Rain Dogs by Tom Waits, Prairie Home Companion, and "Lobster Bucket!" by The Aquabats, and want to hear all of that thrown into a blender, I'd recommend this album. Quirky and fun lyrics and song arrangements won't be for everyone, but if you're looking for something completely different, I'd definitely say check this band out.
