There’s a French Fry Stuck in My Beard

This is the actual sophomore effort from that whacked out groove-collective known as Abattoir Buggery (Ab). Yeah, the band’s second release was supposed to be Simply, Karl, but its members got a little sidetracked. Ergo, an EP instead of an LP. Oy.

Though this is one big-ass EP!

And it marks the band’s entrance into the digital age, being its first CD release, as well as being mixed entirely in digital at Manhattan’s Skirball Studios.

Having achieved legendary status in at least three states at this point in its career, this is a salute to all things Ab, consisting of miscellaneous B-sides, alternate (read: lousy) takes and previously unreleased or differently released songs (several have seen the light of day on various driving tapes of the band members). There’s a French Fry Stuck in My Beard chronicles the early history of Ab, from the band members’ very first jam together up until they got married (no, sad to say, not to each other). It represents more than two years of goodness, packed into one shiny disc!

Future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades: Ian (left) and Chris walking (or perhaps merely floating) on sunshine. Photos by Dino Studios © 1997.

The album also captures the full spectrum of noise that Ab is capable of producing: From the improvised insanity that is the title track to the acoustic folk stylings of “Swim Platform (Come to Me)” to the hip-hop madness running rampant in “Chris Gets Married,” with stops everywhere in between. It even includes Ab’s first official cover, of Oasis’ “Wonderwall” (which never sounded better!). In addition, the set is a wonderful way to gain some insight into the Ab style of songwriting and musical development, as it contains instrumental versions of later classics.

Plus, the album features a very special treat: The tune “Inspirational Tsunami” is actually the very first Föetal Demise (F.d.) performance ever put down on wax (not to mention videotape, but that’s another story). All three F.d. members (Ian, Chris, and Ed, mind you) throw down some grand ol’ improv using real organic instruments. Yes, it’s appearing on an Ab album but, what can you do? Purple Puke Music is like that. Scattered and tattered.

As usual, of course, this was not merely a product of Chris and Ian’s minds, much as most people would rather have you believe. Lynne and Clara, now the duo’s respective wives, bear full responsibility for the lyrics to “Fondue or Bust,” and the girls’ vocals and able percussion skills are strewn about There’s a French Fry Stuck in My Beard. “Love Me, Love My Hand” is directly attributable to one Edward Jacob Riedl and his days of frustration alone in his room. Plus, two of the album’s major works — “Introducing the Accordion Stylings of Walter Woods” and “Walter’s Back” — spew directly from the band’s able guest accordionist, one Walter William Woods (Chris’ very own father, making the album a true family affair!).

To quote one John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants: Maestro, I say right on!