Description
Bazooka – Perfectly Square – Cassette
Bazooka’s Perfectly Square, released in 1993 through SST Records, is a masterful blend of jazz, rock, and avant-garde experimentation, showcasing the band’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries. This album captures the trio’s energetic and improvisational spirit, delivering a mix of original compositions and inventive reinterpretations of jazz and rock standards. Recorded in July 1992, the album features Tony Atherton on saxophone, Bill Crawford on bass, and Vince Meghrouni on drums. Together, the trio creates an intricate and dynamic soundscape that highlights their technical prowess and collaborative synergy.
The tracklist includes standout originals such as ‘In Defense of Phallic Power Totems II’ and ‘Crimes Against the Elders,’ alongside bold covers of classic pieces like Thelonious Monk’s ‘Well You Needn’t,’ Lee Morgan’s ‘Speedball,’ and Edgar Winter’s ‘Frankenstein.’ Each track is a testament to the band’s versatility, seamlessly shifting between raucous energy and moments of introspection. Songs like ‘Sex Baboon in the Court of Nero’ and ‘Sprung Full Blown from the Brain of Zeus’ demonstrate their ability to weave humor and intensity into their compositions, while tracks such as ‘Taboobi’ and ‘Day Jobs and DUI’s’ offer a more reflective tone. The album’s eclectic nature ensures an engaging experience, with every piece feeling distinct yet cohesive.
The musicianship on Perfectly Square is a standout feature. Atherton’s saxophone delivers raw, expressive lines that veer from chaotic bursts to melodic passages, while Crawford’s bass provides a solid yet adventurous foundation. Meghrouni’s drumming is both precise and unpredictable, driving the rhythm while enhancing the album’s improvisational feel. Together, they create a sound that feels both meticulously crafted and refreshingly spontaneous.
Critics and fans alike praised Perfectly Square for its fearless genre-blending and technical sophistication. The album remains a unique entry in SST Records’ catalog, reflecting the label’s commitment to innovative and boundary-pushing music. Over time, Perfectly Square has become a cult favorite among fans of experimental jazz and rock, celebrated for its boldness and originality.
The album serves as both a time capsule of 1990s experimental music and a timeless example of Bazooka’s creative vision, offering a rich listening experience for anyone willing to explore its eclectic depths.
SST Records 296
Track Listing
1. In Defense Of Phallic Power Totems II
2. Reptillicus Promiscuous
3. Well You Needn’t
4. Crimes Against The Elders
5. Sex Baboon In The Court Of Nero
6. Sprung Full Blown From The Brain Of Zeus
7. Taboobi
8. Day Jobs And DUI’s
9. Walt’s Fault
10. Speedball
11. Glug Glug Glug
12. Frankenstein
13. Get Gettin’ Down Down
14. Super Stupid
15. Crossroads
16. Scream Without A Break
