There are a lot of people who have never heard of or bought anything by the Electric Prunes (http://www.electricprunes.net). Chances are if they have it’s the "Nuggets" compilation album of the garage and psychedelic singles or even the "Easy Rider" soundtrack from the ‘60s - yes, the ‘60s. But as Van Gogh, who never sold anything in his lifetime, proved commerce is not art. These guys are the original indies, just not the media darlings on a small label selling gold or even platinum albums for a subsidy of any number of corporate sponsors.
The Electric Prunes have been around off and on since the 1960’s and anyone interested in their history can go to Wikipedia or any number of other sites that have more detailed information than a review could scratch.
The Prunes' new album opens with “Hello Out There,” which is a shout-out proclaiming everyone to get off their ass, take a breath, hold on tight, “to all of you who’ve kept the faith, now’s the time to celebrate.” It has a driving beat and enough guitar that I’m glad to be listening to it at home. Since the police have been strictly enforcing speed limits in my area, I’d be pulled over for speeding just trying to keep up.
"Circus Freak" is next and takes us into slightly different territory. Keyboards are more noticeable. Energetic cries of "Get Out of My Head" take us into some more cerebral zones. By the third song "Flying Blind" it takes on yet another approach. The vocals take a new turn, offering a Frank Zappa “Trouble Everyday” delivery mixed with a smoother chorus that gives a one-two punch to the listener. Set it up with the verses then knock it down smooth with the chorus.
By the fourth song I couldn't help thinking about U2. It’s not the song itself; it’s the way every time that U2 releases a new album, it sounds so radically different from the previous outings that you can’t believe they are changing again. And after you’ve really listened to it a few times, you go back to the other recordings and realize that it is not so different as the others but has become a part of them as well, unifying everything in their uniqueness.
Only instead of changing with each album the Prunes have managed to do so on each song.
“Morphine Drip” is a song that would easily be a welcome addition to the Who’s catalog. I say this not thinking it sounds like the Who but that it could have been recorded anytime within the last 40 years. It could also be part of the Kinks catalog or even fit in any of Chris Cornell’s works.
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“African Bees” reminds me of the classic "Saturday Night Live" cast. Different, Zany, Witty, not always perfect but we love them for their faults. It doesn’t hurt that the cast used to dress up as bees. Interesting visuals if you can mentally make your own video in your imagination. There are actually quite a few bands from the '60s that are still around but the Electric Prunes probably are closest to the Stooges in peer groups. They were both virtually ignored in their prime but their influence exceeds their fame. It might be too much to hope for a Stooges/Prunes double bill but hopefully one day we can see a version of this song sung by Iggy Pop.
“Batch of Violins” is a swirling kaleidoscope that might be what this album is all about. The band takes their stride here, standing their ground and ending with what sounds like sci-fi ray guns trailing off into “Itzomad,” the final song. Rock and roll might not have welcomed the Electric Prunes but anyone with an ear for talent and a penchant for lost causes should relish any new release from the Electric Prunes.
As a footnote to this article I had started by mentioning that the Electric Prunes were on the "Easy Rider" soundtrack. This past weekend Peter Fonda’s new motorcycle movie "Ghost Rider" opened in the number one spot at the box office. It is a story about a man who sells his soul to the devil. "Feedback" was released on PruneTwang, self-produced by band members James Lowe and Mark Tulin. If you can’t find this album in stores, don’t sell your soul for it; just ask to special order it or buy it off the band’s website. You’ll be glad you did; your money will go to the artist and not the devil…flaming skull is unlikely but just as well you have been warned.
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