“royal_trux”
Royal Trux
Singles, Live, Unreleased [Double CD]
Drag City
Jesus Christ! Is there anything more divine than this? I don’t know, but it surely does not seem within the realm of possible things! As well, RTx have done the unthinkable for one of the most crytpto-enigmatic bands around – they have hinted at explanations for songs in the liner notes! Whether or not they’re entirely arbitrary or the impetus is just to fuck-with, it’s a lovely gesture. Givin’ somethin’ back to the fans. Herein lies a cover of the “Theme From M*A*S*H” that is as exquisitely poignant as Friends of Dean Martinez’s cover of the Carpenters’ “Superstar.” Also some live gut-wrench that makes me shake my head and wonder why the throngs of “Rock-Critics” who bitch about RTx live (“can’t carry a tune,” “intolerable noise”) are even writing about Rock and Roll. Some people just don’t get it, I guess. Maybe they’re Canadian.
It is a very specific set of allusions that tether one’s heart to Royal Trux. Those not from suburban or semi-suburban upbringings may not “get” this music. But at least, one thinks, such unfortunate folk (unfortunate to not be able to fully revel in this mud of sagacity) surely can appreciate the more surface elements, the (smack me) decon-annals-of-rock quilt. There are things that rock the socks clean off, complete smack-haze ballads, and even a little bit of soul. Some of the best bits here are probably the alternate versions of songs from one of several self-titled/untitled albums (really there is no way to indicate which I’m speaking of; they’re all on Drag City) such as “Esso Dame” and “Strawberry Soda.” Royal Trux is about Rock and Roll. Royal Trux is Rock and Roll. And if you don’t love Royal Trux, you do not love Rock and Roll. Drag City, P.O. Box 476867, Chicago, IL 60647
