By JEFFREY HALLERAN
Clarion Staff Writer
Art Paul Schlosser, Madison’s very own musical visionary, has assembled a posse of musicians and compiled a solid offering in the form of “The Tribute.” In case you are not familiar with Art Paul, he can usually be found performing on or around State Street as well as other venues, churning out such classic Schlosser tunes as, “Purple Bananas on the Moon,” “Pink Pants” and “I Want a Girlfriend with a Car.” All these songs and more can be found on “The Tribute,” as performed by such artists as Joe Bainbridge, Joe Kopstick and the G. Wildens.
In most cases, “The Tribute” succeeds at what it sets out to accomplish. A few of the songs feature Art Paul rocking out with other artists, giving this recording a true feeling of Schlosser authenticity. “It’s a Beautiful Day” showcases Robin Good trading lyrics with Art Paul. One moment in this ditty is particularly humorous, when Art Paul says “Quack, quack, QUACK!” and Robin responds with, “That’s not singing!” with jubilant laughter following. Another standout track, “I’m More Demented than You/Pink Pants,” features Art Paul with The Great Luke Ski pitted in a vicious rap battle over who’s more demented, recorded live in Madison at the King Club. When they switch gears into “Pink Pants,” they really drop it like it’s hot.
The sans-Art Paul track that by far rocks the hardest has got to be “Punk Rock in the Whitehouse,” as performed by The Consequences. This jam is over pretty quick in true punk fashion, but the song has that classic basement-show driving drumbeat with shredding guitar and a sore-throat, hollered chorus. The track stands out from the rest of the artists’ work featured on “The Tribute” and “Punk Rock in the Whitehouse” is this writer’s personal favorite on the disc.
Tribute compilations can really be hit-or-miss, but thankfully Art Paul Schlosser gathered a fine group of musicians who were really feeling his musical style, and it shows on the work they’ve done with him on “The Tribute.” The release of this disc is sure to expose listeners to Art Paul Schlosser’s material, and hopefully they’ll be inclined to purchase his previously released musical recordings. Art Paul, who as well as being a musician, is a talented painter, has a cool MySpace page, myspace.com/artpaulschlosser, where you can find info about upcoming shows, music for purchase and all things Schlosser. Add him as your friend and you’ll be glad you did. |
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