Kevin Cahoon & Ghetto Cowboy – Doll (CD)

 

Sound: B     Music: B

 

 

Rock music keeps struggling to find a new niche while Hip Hop has problems of its own, but there are innovations here and there to be had.  In trying to combine post-Punk and Glam even a step further than Green Day, Kevin Cahoon & Ghetto Cowboy (though only so much of this is “ghetto” by Hip Hop standards) take a good shot with Doll (2005).  The ambitious nine track set tries to cover all kinds of ground, including gender bending, partying, faint surrealism and the joys of the theme from Good Times.  The tracks give one an idea of where the heart of this set is:

 

1)     Doll

2)     Fashionista

3)     Bitch

4)     Good Time Gone Bad

5)     Saved By The Beauty

6)     Mr. Curious

7)     Could I Have This Dance

8)     Star Ballad

9)     Mirrorball Prophecy

 

 

There is also a sense of humor, if not outright wit, as the material walks the line between New Wave, Pop and the plastic of the fashion world.  What saves it from being just another disposable, desperate hybrid post-Rock piece is its daring to be bold and original enough to stay that way.  The gender themes go beyond the lame “gay for pay” scenario, actually addressing its situations realistically.  The result is an authentic counter culture piece that has its moments, making it only so radio friendly.  That’s good, because that is the only way to stand out.  No self-censorship here.  No wonder this feels like the 1970s updated in some unusual way.

 

The PCM 2.0 16Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo is fine and clear, with layers of sound, along with other fine points that are a sonic plus.  Cahoon’s voice is well recorded for the most part and it is one of the most interesting and different albums in its genre in a while.  Anyone interested in new Rock will want to hear it at least once.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo