One of my favorite 90s bands is the Supersuckers. They were part of Sub Pops
second wave of fantastic mostly non- Grunge artists like The Spinanes, Eric’s Trip, Sebadoh, and the Rev Horton Heat among others.
Supersuckers played regular music, just in the fastest most profane way possible. It seemed that in some alternate universe, they were huge stars in the lineage of AC/DC, Cheap Trick, the Ramones and KISS - a blend of the furious punk bands mixed with the noise of 70s hard rock and metal.
Unexpectedly, the band’s frontman, Eddie Spaghetti has churned out a quite enjoyable solo career - the songs are every bit colorful and tasteless as the covers of the album they come in. Now, the contents are more “Outlaw Country” than Rock, but are surprisingly good listens.
Metal Marty’s Greatest Hits is his debut album. That’s the joke. Metal Marty Chandler has been the Supersuckers guitarist officially since 2014 and this certainly feels like a Supersuckers record since the lineup is the same, and Spaghetti produced and co-wrote it
That said, that is intended as more of a draw than a warning. If you like the Supersuckers, this is a pretty fun album.
The press kit makes comparisons to Steve Earle and Iggy Pop, and this definitely has an Earle feel (Earle has collaborated with the ‘Suckers in the past) - rowdy and rousing bar rock infused with country and blues.
But like his band, also kind of ridiculous. The songs form a theme around Magic City, Idaho and some melodies are cribbed unashamedly from pop standards like “She’s a Lady” and “Rock and Roll (Part 2)”
It might be hard to review an album that is so blatantly what it purports to be, but it’s a surprisingly solid record that offers a few surprises and doesn’t wear out it’s welcome.