The Rugburns' red-hot sense of humor sets House of Blues ablaze
By Allyson Harwood
Daily Bruin Contributor
Usually you can get a pretty good idea of how to describe a group's music style by looking at the name of their album. The Rugburns' latest offering, "Taking the World by Donkey," shows their sense of humor - something that was evident throughout their show at the House of Blues on Jan. 30.
Starting the set with "The Ballad of Tommy & Marla," a darkly humorous love story that ends with gunfire, and surprisingly launching into the National Anthem for the crowd, coming down to the floor and singing it pub-style with the audience, The Rugburns showed the exciting versatility that has helped cultivate a strong cult following over the past few years.
The majority of the concert consisted of material from their latest album, along with some of their old favorites, and a brief tribute to "Grease." Outstanding songs included, "Tree Hugger," with lyrics such as: "I was going to join an ad hoc committee but I don't know what ad hoc means/ I think it's a special kind of rock for stonewashed denim jeans;" and "War," a song that contains some (but not too much) social criticism, entwined with references to playing golf with Richard Nixon.
The type of music The Rugburns play is difficult to describe. It does not have a category that readily falls to mind. It is both rock, with acoustic guitar, and a little punk, as well as a little cowboy. Steve Poltz, The Rugburns' lead singer, describes their concert set as, "folky, punky, poppy love songs - about shoes and only shoes." But this doesn't even begin to describe the music they played this evening. The Rugburns performed everything from the traditional rock mix, to an Irish song in which the drummer wore a kilt. With "Doc" Driscoll's electric guitar talents and harmonies, Gregory Page's bass, and "Stinky's" unusual Bobcat Goldthwait method of playing drums, the foursome was musically tight throughout the show.
The Rugburns proved to be nothing but fun, keeping their occasionally tasteless sense of humor a priority. The music they played kept the audience moving, and the lyrics were hilarious, with a sadistic edge. Their fun, easy-going style is sure to make any first-time listener want to hear more.Comments to webmaster@db.asucla.ucla.edu