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Album Review: Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - "Meat and Bone"

Blending a stew of punk, blues, twang, noise, rock, indie, and plenty more, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion is back after an eight-year hiatus.

Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Meat and Bone
Boombox/Mom + Pop


For those who love their “blues” chock-full of surliness, attitude, and raw energy, it’s time to rejoice. The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion is back after an eight-year hiatus.

Blending a stew of punk, blues, twang, noise, rock, indie, and plenty more, this veteran NYC trio—featuring Spencer on guitar and vox, Judah Bauer on guitar, and Russell Simins on drums—has been knocking down barriers and influencing a number of successful mainstream bands (that offer up a somewhat lighter version of the JSBX) for more than 20 years.

You know you’re in for a wild ride with the first track’s fuzz-laden, feverish drive that would make Iggy proud. Delicious jams on tunes like “Black Thoughts” to the slow-moving and syrupy “Unclear” make for an engaging assortment. Produced by Spencer, who howls like a possessed songbird from prehistoric times, the record has a chaotic flavor with an aggressive and ultra-dirty delivery that’s beautifully put together at the same time. —Rich Osweiler

Must-hear track: “Black Mold”