New Ween!

CD Review: Ween – La Cucaracha
Rounder/Chocodog: October 23, 2007

The Deal:
On this, their first album in several years, the Ween-ers (Dean and Gene) aim
high artistically, and low morally and spiritually. That’s typical of these
Coen Brothers of rock. Not everyone gets them, but that’s part of their charm.
As sophomoric as ever, maybe a bit more evil, you’ll either experience some
discomfort or chortle with glee as they parody all types of music, this time skewering prog rock, reggae, mariachi, folk and even smooth jazz. On this, their “party” album, all tunes are sandwiched between opener “Fiesta” and closer “Your Party”.

The Good:
Lots of superlatives here. The arrangements are crisp and intricate. They were great
on earlier CD “The Mollusk” and here, they’re nearly as good. Check out the sly, suave “Your Party” complete with lush, sexy David Sanborn sax solo.

The Bad:
Some don’t get the joke, while others say they’re formulaic. There are also some
who do get it and don’t appreciate it.

The Verdict:
It may be a formula but it’s fun and it works. These goofy guys are serious
musicians and who says disturbing music can’t be fun? For those who thought
Ween was fading, most would agree that this latest outing shows them back
in fine form with playful originality, sparkle and wit. Not a breakthrough,
but rather more of the usual. Though disturbing at times (listen and creep
out to “Object”), it’s a logical and worthy follow-up to their previous, “Quebec”.

Here's the link published in Creative Loafing:
http://charlotte.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/la_cucaracha/Content?oid=241359