Volebeats – “Maggot Brain (Parts 1 & 2)”
Archive
Posted On January 1, 1998
Well, somebody finally got hip and covered the 1971 Funkadelic classic guitar freakoff. They even properly dedicated the blessed thing to the late, great Eddie Hazel, who died of “ghetto causes” several years ago. The concept is fulfilled with a high lonesome version of the Hendrix-inspired original that makes for a noirish, spaghetti-western style instrumental.
This high tribute is absolutely perfect right down to the cover art homage. With guest guitarist Phil Durr wailing along with the Grievous Angels’ Jon Rauhouse on pedal steel, the Volebeats have created a timeless piece of ’90s country. With the ominous danger and majestic strivings of the “Maggot Brain” template completely intact, this is my pick for single of the year. Don’t forget, The Volebeats are from Detroit, same as Dr. Funkenstein. Yeah, they could have taken Part 2 a little bit further, but that’s what live shows are for.
What next, “Green Grass And High Tides”?
