Album Notes

The waiting and anticipation of new material by The Commodes is finally over. Hong Kong Chicken is the newest cd by the Chicago novelty rockers.

George Jefferson Airplane, like many numbers on this cd has a catchy guitar riff that will make you jump up and shout, “Hell yes we are movin’ on up!” The title track Hong Kong Chicken and Last Night at Denny’s are odes to eating at some of America’s finest establishments. The Commodes, as usual, never forget their country roots. (Keyboardist) Angry Elmer’s chow blowing number, Talking To Ralph On The Big White Phone is perfect for line dancing or riding a mechanical bull.

Unlike its predecessors, Hong Kong Chicken also has a lighter melodic side to it. Guantanamo Bay is a cheesy lounge tune that is outstanding! Garbage Man tells a heartfelt story about throwing away a garbage can, much like a Harry Chapin or Jim Croce number. Only funnier!

I have had the honor of attending a live, unrefined and hilarious Commodes show in Chicago and have to say that I am impressed with their meticulous, diligent studio work. This studio recording does not lose any grit or presence of a live show, but one can hear much self control portrayed within the 10 track Hong Kong Chicken.

I hope that Hong Kong Chicken, the fourth cd released by The Commodes is just a gateway to future recordings by this witty power pop trio. Band members Steve “The Kernel” Crapper, Angry Elmer and Paul “The Big Ragu” Frigo have managed to create something that our crazy world could use right now. Laughter.

You could catch The Commodes performing live or check them out online at:
www.geocities.com/loscommodes
www.myspace.com/commodes

Stavros Poutsos
Music Critic