Description

The Frogs – Its Only Right And Natural – Compact Disc

It’s Only Right and Natural is a notable album by The Frogs, released in 1989. This album stands out due to its controversial, irreverent, and satirical content, which primarily explores themes of gay identity and culture. The Frogs were known for their provocative approach to music and performance, often using shock value to challenge societal norms and provoke thought among their audience.

The album itself is characterized by a lo-fi, indie rock sound that was typical of the late 80s underground scene. The Frogs utilized simple, catchy melodies combined with acoustic arrangements, giving the album a somewhat raw and unpolished feel that contrasts sharply with its bold and humorous lyrics.

It’s Only Right and Natural became a cult classic largely because of how it addressed topics that were considered taboo at the time. The album’s exploration of homosexual themes was both daring and ahead of its time, particularly given the social climate of the late 1980s when discussions around LGBTQ+ issues were often suppressed.

The album received mixed reactions—some praised it for its boldness and unique approach to significant issues, while others criticized it for what they perceived as crass or insensitive treatment of sensitive topics. Over time, it has been reassessed by many as an important piece of queer music history.

The Frogs influenced many in the alternative rock scene. Notable bands and artists like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Smashing Pumpkins have acknowledged the influence of The Frogs, with members of these bands citing It’s Only Right and Natural as an important influence on their own work. Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, in particular, expressed admiration for the band, which helped The Frogs gain further attention and a larger audience during the 90s.

This album remains a fascinating study of how music can challenge societal norms, using humor and satire to confront and discuss issues that are often ignored or stigmatized. For those interested in the intersections of music, culture, and social issues, It’s Only Right and Natural is a significant work that offers insight into a unique band’s attempt to navigate and comment on the complexities of identity and expression.

If Right and Natural isn’t quite yet the White Light/White Heat of a new generation, it’s getting close. Unknown upon release, venerated by multitudes of listeners and bands since all out of proportion to its public profile. The insane secret of the record is its perfect combination of hooks, folky influences, and utterly outrageous, hilarious lyrics and stories.

Nothing is sacred, but the methods used would probably frighten even Monty Python or South Park’s creators at their prime. The centerpiece to everything is gay love, lust, and more at its most crazed. Song titles like ‘These Are the Finest Queen Boys I’ve Ever Seen’ and the sweetly catchy celebration ‘Homos’ help say it all. Right from the start, when Dennis Flemion slurs ‘I’ve got drugs…that’ll blow your mind tonight…out of your mind tonight’ on ‘Out of the Mist,’ things can’t help but be more than gone. By the time the song gets to the priest with drug-filled lips, listeners will have decided whether to stay the course or get out while the getting’s good.

One definite fun point about Right and Natural is seeing how it influenced future artists. Beck sampled the double-tracked claim, ‘That was a good drum break’ from ‘I Don’t Care if You Disrespect Me (Just So Long as You Love Me)’ for ‘Where It’s At.’ The Blake Babies, meanwhile, took the song title ‘Rosy Jack World’ for an album, and so forth. What makes the album all the more grand is its ear for tenderness in unexpected areas — ‘Been a Month Since I Had a Man’ is gently melancholy, and more straightforward (if not straight) than anything else around it.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the original plastic seal

Homestead Records 1989

Track Listing
I’ve Got Drugs (Out of the Mist)
I Don’t Care If U Disrespect Me (Just So You Love Me)
Hot Cock Annie
Theses Are the Finest Queen Boys (I’ve Ever Seen)
Rosy Jack World
Someone’s Pinning Me to the Ground
Baby Greaser George
(Thank God I Died in) The Car Crash
Gather ‘Round for Savior #2
Richard Dick Richards
Men (Come on Men)
Dykes We Are
Been a Month Since I Had a Man
Homos