Review Summary: The Butthole Surfers spawn with a psychedelic-noise rock release
Note: Updated ratings on 11/29/12
Before well-known hit "Pepper" and numerous album releases, the [L]Butthole Surfers[L] released this record in 1984. This was likely a low-key release, scratched out with low budget production and costs. Nonetheless, this record has many key tracks that the band retained as concert staples for years to come.
Psychic... Powerless... Another Man's Sac takes no prisoners in the onset, with the opening tracks "Concubine" and "Eye of the Chicken." These tracks are abrasive in a psychedelic and noise rock fashion, with staccato rhythms. "Cherub" is a similar track, that appears later, and it also the longest song on the record. This song has some repeating sounds from "Dum Dum" and is hazy-sounding. Some twisted punk tracks are strewn through the record, such as "Woly Boly." This track features some of Gibby Haynes' signature yelling and screeching throughout.
The highlight of the album is the more well-known track "Negro Observer." It is a fairly mellow track bathed in saxophone, which gradually builds up with very good guitar. The lyrics are also very interesting, and may have to do with aliens. Anyhow, this track could make it on "Best Tracks of the 80s" type lists.
"Butthole Surfer" and "Mexican Caravan" are other high energy tracks that are very enjoyable. "Butthole Surfer" has a fun surf rock feel to it, while "Mexican Caravan" is a more standard punk track with hilarious lyrics. A different track is "Lady Sniff" which appears to be a composition of sounds (spitting, farting, etc), good ol' boy-type singing and some sharp guitar sounds by Paul Leary.
The debut record of any band can be used as a form of introspection of what a band was. This record, which provides the genesis of the Butthole Surfers, is telling of the psychedelic noise that followed in the future records. It also provides some of the vocal techniques employed by Haynes in future releases, as well as providing a glimpse of Paul Leary's signature guitar playing.
Grades
1. Concubine - 6
2. Eye of the Chicken - 7.5
3. Dum Dum - 6.5
4. Woly Boly - 6
5. Negro Observer - 10
6. Butthole Surfer - 7
7. Lady Sniff - 8
8. Cherub - 5.5
9. Mexican Caravan - 9
10. Cowboy Bob - 9.5
11. Gary Floyd - 8
Cohesiveness - 7.5 - Despite the seemingly random nature of the tracks, they all sound rather cohesive. "Negro Observer" may sound a little out of place.
Album Art - 7 - Appears to be old pictures of leprosy victims drawn on with a neon pen. Very fitting for the band.
Upshot - Not for everyone, but worth giving a listen for music fans willing to explore. Took me a few times to actually get a hang of. "Negro Observer" which I must emphasize is a must-listen track.
