Ben Weasel

Fidatevi (Panic Button)
by Grady Gadbow

The first words on this album are, “I’ve got six guitars and can barely play and a questionable singing voice as well…” That about says it, partner.

Ben Weasel‘s old band, Screeching Weasel, made its bones on Lookout! and Fat Wreck Chords with a distinctive brand of Ramonesy four-chord punk with silly lyrics. Ben Weasel also had a long-running MRR column full of irreverent wise-ass fluff. It was always good for a chuckle.

Long-time Weasel fans might find this solo album uncharacteristically serious. The songs sound much the same as ever, if a little cleaner in the scruffy rhythm guitar department. In fact, one song is mostly piano and vocals like some kind of Billy Screeching Joel, and it’s not funny. I was ten songs in when I realized with growing alarm that none of these songs are very funny. For fuck’s sake, they’re sappy and serious and whiny and sentimental and sad and shit. I can’t imagine there’s anyone out there grimacing at their clenched fist with inner torment while blasting Ben Weasel, but if there is, the joke’s on them.
(3264 Adeline St. Berkely, CA 84703)