Heavy Trash - Going Way Out With Heavy Trash

Label: Yep Roc Records
Catologue Number:
Format: CD
Date: 2007
Style: Blues / Rock N' Roll
Rating: 6/10
Reviewer: Sidney James

Taking a break from the Blues Explosion, Jon Spencer has teamed up with Matt Verta-Ray for Heavy Trash and the result is a stripped down blues; rock n roll style. Although not a million miles away from JSBX in terms of content the production behind the album lacks the modernist influence of that band. Acting as roots revival rather than pushing any boundaries Going Way Out… is both hit and miss.

On the plus side it’s always great to hear Jon Spencer; from Pussy Galore onwards he has one of most instantly recognisable voices in alternative rock and his prescience is strong here. Even when reeling off the most clichéd of rock ‘roll-isms nothing beats his delivery. He could probably get away with singing a shopping list and still make it sound like the devil impersonating Elvis.

At its musical highs Going Way.. out on tracks like Pure Gold, Way Out and the final You Can’t Win, Heavy Trash produced dense rock ‘n roll that equals anything that Spencer has done over the last 10 years. However other tracks such as They Were Kings and Kissy Baby sound like they’ve escaped from the vaults of Sun Records.

As a no nonsense no thrills party album Going Way Out... works. As anything approaching fresh or groundbreaking it’s a complete failure. Not that Jon Spencer would care as it sounds like he had a great deal of fun making the album. Those who can deal with the trad sounds will probably dig the simple pleasure of the album. Those looking for something more challenging are best looking elsewhere.