Music Reviews
Brevard Busking Coalition

Brevard Busking Coalition

Shamen Noodles/Smell The Busk

_ busk (verb) Chiefly British. To entertain by dancing, singing, or reciting on the street or in a public place. Origin: 1850 – 55; “to make a living by entertaining.”_

You’re forgiven if you have no idea of “busking.” As the definition says, it’s mainly a United Kingdom thing. Billy Bragg got his start “singing in the tubes” and scores of entertainers have struck up a song on the streets, put a tip jar out, and “sang for their supper.”

Don’t think any of them went at it like the Brevard Busking Coalition, however. These two live EPs are an exercise in audio anarchy. Between the six members they play over 30 instruments, and what a racket! Strains of Frank Zappa meet XTC, or perhaps the Holy Modal Rounders playing Tejano music, its all here. “God Didn’t Do It” gives a pointed rebuke to modern society, and “Spacebar” sounds like doo-wop on Mars performed by Primus. Or something. If you’re down Florida way and see a bunch of ne’er do wells playing in the streets, give a listen. You ain’t seen – or heard – anything like it. These EPs are available as free, Creative Commons-licensed downloads, check their website.

Brevard Busking Coalition: http://brevardbusking.org


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