Saturday, February 23, 2008

Rodney Parker & Fifty Peso Reward - A Knife Beneath Your Pillow

“What are you gonna do when they play you for a fool?” Good question. Loud, dancing and thoughts about the “diesel fumes get in your head.” Sometimes we have to wonder about these things, but hey. Let’s dance – it’s Saturday, and this band knows how to have a good time. The singer is threatening “something’s going to happen to you” like he means it, but the band knows the truth is all that’s going to happen is that we’re going to have another beer and dance to the great music. I love the way Rodney is willing to enunciate all his fears, but allows his friends and neighbors and listeners to let his spirit move their feet. The shoutout, 11 Hours, is more reflective, but effective. I am definitely drawn into Rodney’s meanderings and thoughts about life and the power of relationships. The band, wisely, keeps itself in the background as the folks that pull the story forward for my pleasure, not showing off their skills for their pleasure. Of course, as mentioned about, Rodney allows the 50 Peso Reward lots of other places to show off their craft on this album. Nice work. Rodney Parker (to be released in March, click here to stay tuned)