STARS & HANK

This is the second installation of "The American Composer's Series" by THE RESIDENTS after covering James Brown and Gershwin on the first volume. Here it's Hank Williams and John Philip Sousa getting treated with a makeover courtesy of THE RESIDENTS. This was released in 1986 and is around 43 minutes long. The Hank Williams side is surprisingly good with at least two tracks standing out for me. The Sousa side which is really one long suite but divided into section is mostly about hearing a marching band and I have a hard time with it.

My favourite on side one is "Kaw-Liga" as it's quite catchy with horns, guitar, vocals and more. The closer on side one "Jambalaya" opens with outbursts of drums before it settles in with a steady beat and almost spoken vocals. It's interesting at least. And while I'm not into the Sousa music, I really like their idea of us hearing a marching band in a parade marching down the street, and we hear all that goes with that including outbursts of applause, people talking, nature etc. All the while Sousa music is being improved upon by THE RESIDENTS. That second side is a tough listen though.

Neither of the "American Composer Series" volumes are essential in my opinion but they are entertaining in a strange way.