James Kochalka Superstar
Monkey Vs. Robot
Tarquin
This is a summation of mankind’s eternal struggle against its own improvements. Then again, it could just be demented ramblings on monkeys and robots. James Kochalka Superstar is not the most politically-correct person on the planet (witness songs like “Pony the Penis” and “Punch The Clock”), but he shows us the furious battle within us all between simian and machine in a very clear fashion. Although his voice may not be quite on key sometimes – a lot of the time – he sings with such enthusiasm and abandon that you can’t help but sing along, no matter how stupid you think you’ll sound. And you will, to songs like “Pizza Rocket,” “Show Respect to Michael Jackson” and “Peanut Butter and Jellyfish” (which features the best gargling solo I’ve ever heard). You will shimmy and boogie to numbers like “Hot Rod Monkey” and the ironic hoedown of “Put Down The Gun.” And you’ll wet your pants laughing at “Bad Astronaut” and “Beautiful Christmas Lights.”
Monkey Vs. Robot also comes with a great comic book for liner notes. This is thirty tracks of pure fun. A must-have! Tarquin Records, 145 Old Mill Road, Greenwich, CT 06831
