Rabbit MacKay & The Somis Rhythm Band - Bug Cloth FLAC download

Starts with a nice Johnny Rivers-circa-Realization kind of number featuring that West Coast folky feel, but the second song is more of a stomping lo-fi yelper with harmonica. Basically the album is a bit of a stoned trip with some ragged harmonies, loose playing (except for the rather stiff drumming), and a rather fractured, unconvential production style. "John's Lament" is a nice acid-folk thing, "Mexico Town" has too many sound effects and kazoo, "Baby Jennifer" and "You Can Always Come To Me" are quite Dylanesque (the second is the best of the two), and "When Angel Comes" is cool with just an acoustic guitar, a piano, a trumpet and doubled vocals.So a few good moments (the quieter songs) on this LP, but overall it's not quite entirely satisfying or that remarkable.

A first time listener thought this album was a one band sampler. It is an apt description of the album, since it defies labels. This is strong, self-assured music, not just songwriting but song craft. The Somis Rhythm Band is defined by its vocals too.They're perfect for these songs. There's some really nice keyboard work, and at times the record has a rustic feel.Rabbit Mackay says "find a record player and a quiet place." It's excellent advice.