Cranky George’s ‘Fat Lot of Good’ Lives Up to Its Name
John Stanley
Posted On December 2, 2016
‘Fat Lot of Good’ is the debut full-length album from LA-based Cranky George. The band is comprised of five members including renowned actor Dermot Mulroney and James Fearnley, a co-founder of The Pogues. However, unlike many “celebrity bands,” Cranky George is chock full of musical integrity. Dermot is a classically trained cellist and bassist Brad Wood is a music engineer and producer (The Bangles, Veruca Salt). Cranky George’s music is described as indie folk/rock and while it’s tough to hone in on a single overall “Cranky George sound,” ‘Fat Lot of Good’ does fit into the folk/rock label for the most part.
Each of the 14 songs on the album is a unique world of its own. Influences from various forms of music show themselves on different tracks – from the country elements in current single “Misery Road” to more traditional European music on the aptly-named “Waltz in Blue.” Various forms of folk music take center stage, though they are never on their own. “Greenland’s Ice” for example, is similar to The Pogues’ sound that blends Celtic folk and rock, while “The Man With The Burning Eyes” recalls “gypsy rock” a la Gogol Bordello.
On ‘Fat Lot of Good,’ Cranky George have proven themselves to be masters of building and resolving musical tension. They often do this through repeating lyrical or melodic lines – such as the calls to “remember” on “Perfect Skin” and the chorus of “The Bones.” Additionally, the dramatic builds on “Misery Road” and “Nighttime” demonstrate the band’s ability to create and resolve this tension through song form. All of this makes the music fun and keeps the listener glued to the speakers, wondering what is going to come next.
It’s worth noting that I have the privilege of reviewing the double LP vinyl pressing of this great album. While the songs will be equally solid in any listening format, the vinyl sounds particularly crisp. Each instrument shines, which is a difficult thing to do when the band plays so many different ones from track to track. The artwork is impressive in the large format and the lyrics are included in the gatefold.
This is a stellar album from a band that is surely one to watch. ‘Fat Lot of Good’ takes its listeners on an amazingly fun (and sometimes scary!) journey through its 14 songs. With its stylistic diversity there is sure to be at least a track or two on here for everyone. Cranky George has quickly become one of my favorite new finds of 2016, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next year. In addition to the double vinyl reviewed here, ‘Fat Lot of Good’ is also available on CD and for download via Bandcamp and iTunes.
4.5/5
