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Golden Grrrls - New Pop 7”

Chris Devotion & The Expectations - Amalgamation & Capital (album)

Trailer Trash Tracys - Ester (album)

Throwing Up - Mother Knows Best 7”

Howling Wolf - Complete Chess Masters 1951-60

The Ketamines - A Rotten Bond/1 Yr (from Oddbox Singles Club Pt 2)

Cardinal - Hymns (album)

Proper Ornaments - Taking the Gamble Out of Buying 12”

Darren Hayman - January Songs (album)

Various: Marshall Teller EP 12”

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Album Review

Vinny Peculiar & the Blue Poppies of Ambrosia
Sometimes I Feel Like A King Shadrack & Duxbury Records

Article written by Mary B - Mar 30, 2009

Ah, Vinny Peculiar. I make it no secret that I adore this man's work and, like with most musicians who I admire, it is always scary listening to their new body of work in the fear that it will not meet your expectations.

Mr Peculiar and the Blue Poppies of Ambrosia do not let me down. 'Sometimes I Feel Like a King' (the line is taken from Charles Bukowski's epic poem, 'Fire Station') is a vivid reminder of why this man is such a great commentator on everyday life matters such as trips to the park, politics and that four letter word that causes us all so much grief, love. There are eleven tracks on here including a Cowboy Junkies cover of 'Sun Comes Up, it's Tuesday Morning'.

The title track, 'Sometimes I Feel Like a King' is a delicate and atmospheric track and a wonderful way to open the album. Vinny makes the everyday seem so beautiful.

Some of the stand out songs on here include 'Success' and 'Uniform' which are both guitar driven funky numbers. Both have supporting vocals that blend in and out of the song with positive effect. 'To Hell with Fashion' is an angry little number damning the fashion business and holding it accountable for whatever Vinny wishes to hold it accountable for!

Only Vinny can write a song about lazy public sector workers ('Welfare Statement') and expose the seedier side of the nine to five mediocre lifestyle: "girl in a mini-skirt, she's such an awful flirt, you used to dream of screwing her". These are the kind of lyrics that mirror Cocker's lyrics for me. Peculiar has a wonderful way with words that take you into the world that he is trying to explore.

And what a world. Some albums remind you of why you love music so much and this is one of them. It is a musical montage of emotion that you will return to again and again. It's another impressive outing for Mr Peculiar. Vinny, you are a King and I, for one, shall remain your loyal subject.

Links:
http://www.vinnypeculiar.com/index.htm
http://www.myspace.com/vinnypeculiar