CD review: Cheeseburger, self-titled (Kemado Records, February 20, 2007)
By Ash
This is the classic rock album: lots of guitar, lots of yelling and lots of drums. It’s a wall of sound, and Cheeseburger’s energy is raw. The Iggy Pop-influenced musicians, Joe Bradley (vocals), Luke Crotty (drums) and Christy Karacas (guitar), say this record is an ode to New York City and the love and drinking that goes on there. Bradley declares, “For better or worse, we are a drinking band and this is a record ‘about’ boozing it up and all the jive that goes down with it (good times, bad times, falling in love, making an ass of yourself, getting dumped, the happy drunk, the melancholy drunk, the morning after, the morning after that, the morning after that, etc., etc.”
The self-titled CD jumps out with “Let the Good Times Roll,” on which guitar leads the way and is followed by amazing drums. Bradley’s gritty vocals roar over the top of everything else and are uniquely reminiscent of early ’70s and ’80s rock bands. “Do You Remember” is Cheeseburger’s classic New York anthem. “[It's about] having the time of my life while trying to keep my head above water,” Bradley said. This is one of the clearer songs on the album, perfectly mixed and produced.
“I ain’t gonna bite ya / I ain’t gonna tear ya limb from limb / I don’t care about the he said she said jive / I’m a gentleman / I’m a tiger, baby,” croones Bradley on “Tiger.” Cheeseburger’s lyrics are kooky, light-hearted and fun, and evocate the just-turned-21-and-I-remember-being-in-love-a-lot-and-drinking-even-more memories.
The drums start off “Cocaine,” and when the guitar riff comes it’s apparent that this is a killer rock song. “White lines / Come on, baby / Lets get high,” hollers Bradley. The song is less than two minutes, but there’s still a rush … one much like the one a person may get from doing cocaine itself. “Bobby’s Theme” is the only slow song on the entire album, and it’s gritty but beautiful it’s only vocals and an electric organ. The hiss behind the music makes you feel like you’re listening to an old 45. At the song’s end there’s a hidden track that spoofs on radio DJs who are always talking and promoting clubs (in this case, Rowdy P’s featuring none other than Cheeseburger) … these guys are not without a sense of humor.
Cheeseburger’s album is a rock gem. It has your obligatory wall-of-sound and lyrics that make you want to return to the ’70s. Cheeseburger makes rock ‘n’ roll rock for everyone involved.
For more information, visit www.cheeseburgernyc.com.
No live shows are currently scheduled.
