The 440s & the Chickenhawks
Sumthin’ Sleazy CD
Split CD with two rockabilly-influenced rock bands, all tracks produced by Jeff Dahl. The 440s are a little more straight-ahead rock (they do a Fastway song!) and could use a little more of that Cramps kick and a few less wanky guitar solos. I liked the last Chickenhawks stuff I heard., but these tracks aren’t doing it for me like I recall. I note there’s been a rhythm section change since the time of these recordings, so that may have something to do with it. Truthfully I’ve never really seen the point of split CDs; I mean, records had two sides so there was a logical likelihood that you’d only be playing one side of the disc if you only liked one of the bands. Split CDs though? Don’t see the reason each band doesn’t release an EP or write more stuff for an album. The material’s usually second-rate outtakes or something slapped out anyway. In any case, there aren’t any split CDs in my regular listening rotation and this one ain’t gonna be the first. (Steelcage Records, www.steelcagerecords.com) – Aaron J. Poehler
