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If it weren't for music lessons, I wouldn't be where I am today. Despite that, I always like to work with charity organizations centered around music education. So for all of 2010, I'll be donating 10% of the proceeds from sales of my CDs and DVDs to a great organization called Guitars Not Guns. Because if a kid is going to mess up his or her life, it's better to do it with music than guns. So head on over to the store and pick up something for yourself or a friend and help replace "bang bang" with "strum strum". |
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Live DVDs come in two forms. It's either a glossy, overdubbed, greatest hits collection used to string the fans along until the next album; or it's a real document of what it's like to be standing in the front row at you favorite band's concert. "Raising A Rockus" from Roadside Attraction is definitely the latter. Blunders, jokes, and goofy plastic hats aside, this is the picture of a band and its audience communing under the slogan "Life just ain't that serious."
Roadside Attraction comes from leader Phil Johnson's twin careers in music and comedy. "The idea here is songs that are musically interesting and challenging, but also funny, and understandable by a casual music listener," says Johnson. It's more eclectic than Stephen Lynch, funnier than Prince, and more palatable than Frank Zappa, though influences of all three abound.
Sure, the band's best known songs are here… "Rumpalicious Booty Shaker", "Whale Blubber", "Two Of Me" and "LCW" all make appearances. But they also take the opportunity to give the audience new, unreleased songs as well. "Afrodizzyac" is their take on Blaxploitation film themes. This one about an international super spy (Afrodizzyac) saving the women of the world from his arch enemy, Left Nut. "Brown Ring Around The Collar" is a happy tirade about the stupid people we meet every day. And "Hella Good Day" is Phil Johnson's own musing on what would make his perfect day. "I wrote it during a really bad day and it helped cheer me up. I don't expect people to personally relate to each lyric. But I hope it will make them think about what would make them happier."
Two of the greatest forms of release are live music and a hearty laugh. And Roadside Attraction delivers in spades as evidenced by the audience of young and old, and every ethnicity that was present for this concert. "Raising A Rockus" is the story of a band on the rise, playing by their own rules, and doing everything they can to help you loosen up. |
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Phil Johnson isn't angry. Even when he's crooning horrible thoughts about an ex-girlfriend or calling out your co-workers for what they really are, it's done with warmth and a knowing glance that it's all in good fun. He's neither an insider, nor an outsider, but the guy standing in the doorway watching both groups and laughing at everyone's foibles, including his own.
Phil Johnson deftly wields his guitar, spinning out one funny scenario after another. Far beyond the strumming/storytelling and parody style of other comedians his songs are all original, and written to include the music as an integral part of the story. His shows have been called "choreographed frenzy" and his easy, mellow command of the stage turns completely demented on a dime. It's a show with variety, energy, and originality that definitely pushes the boundaries.
Armed with a degree in music, years of experience leading his band Roadside Attraction, and a friendly and playful sense of humor, Phil Johnson knows well what it takes to entertain an audience. But beyond just entertainment, Phil seeks to actually communicate something important… That life is just not as serious as we all think. |
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