Get Off the Bus Back to Beelzebub

It’s time for a new music recommendation. I just got my hands on the new album from Mike Doughty, the former front man of Soul Coughing. The album is called Haughty Melodic and I have probably listened to it 8 times in the 5 days I have had it. In a word that is followed by another word… love it.

S.C. was one of my favorite groups before breaking up about 4 years ago. I can’t really describe them. They were very unique and I can’t even think of anyone to compare them to. I really didn’t know what to expect with Doughty’s solo work and I felt I was taking a little risk with blindly ordering the CD although I heard a bit of an acoustic performance on NPR a week or so ago. Historically speaking, I just haven’t had a lot of luck with solo efforts from members of favorite bands.

Police = HOT
Early solo Sting = luke-warm
Recent solo Sting = not even worth a comment
KISS, pre-Unmasked = I can Rock-n-Roll All Nite
Solo albums from Gene, Paul, Ace, Peter = flush all four in the Ladies Room

10,000 Maniacs = good
Natalie Merchant solo = not so good

The Smiths = good
Morrisey = ok, at times, but the times are few

Go Gos = they got the beat
Belinda = wished she would go back to the drugs

I am sure that in all of these cases I didn’t like the solo projects because they differed too much from the style I loved in the band. In the case of Mike Daughty: Haughty Melodic, I don’t miss Soul Coughing. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the S.C. albums, and Doughty’s new work is very different. But, in a way, it isn’t. There are no obscure cartoon music samples, no thumping stand-up bass, very little (if any) synth or keyboards. In fact, the musical arrangements can be considered quite “traditional”. You’ll hear a lot of acoustic guitar, some drums, an occasional piano. The similarities all seem to come from what I have learned is the most important instruments, Doughty’s voice, lyrics, and delivery. I know this probably means nothing for people who have never heard Soul Coughing, but, for many of the fans, I think it’s all there. For me, I can now get off the bus. My white Lexus has come.

G