Description

Mudhoney – Five Dollar Bobs Mock Cooter Stew – Cassette

Mudhoney’s Five Dollar Bob’s Mock Cooter Stew, released in 1993, is an EP that captures the gritty, unpolished energy of the Seattle grunge pioneers. Known for their raw and rebellious sound, Mudhoney explores a range of styles across this release, from garage rock to grunge and even hints of blues. Coming out on Sub Pop, the EP serves as a follow-up to their 1992 album Piece of Cake, presenting a blend of new material and re-recorded versions of earlier songs.

With Five Dollar Bob’s Mock Cooter Stew, Mudhoney continues their exploration of dirty, fuzz-laden guitar riffs and Mark Arm’s snarky, snarling vocal style. The EP is a mix of heavy, distorted tracks and slower, more groove-oriented tunes that reveal their blues and punk influences. The guitar work by Steve Turner and Mark Arm is raw and heavily distorted, employing Mudhoney’s signature use of fuzz pedals to create a murky, dense sound. Dan Peters on drums and Matt Lukin on bass add a solid rhythm section, giving each song a mix of grit and groove that complements Arm’s irreverent, sometimes darkly humorous lyrics.

Notable Tracks

‘In the Blood’ – Opening with a sludgy, hard-hitting riff, this track has an aggressive tone and embodies the grunge spirit with its dark energy and thick distortion. Arm’s vocals add a layer of intensity, making it one of the EP’s standout tracks.

‘No Song III’ – A mid-tempo, blues-influenced track that brings a change of pace, showcasing the band’s interest in experimenting with different tempos and feels. Its looser, jam-like structure highlights Mudhoney’s versatility and willingness to step outside the typical grunge formula.

‘Between Me & You Kid’ – This track has a more garage rock feel, with catchy riffs and a raw, stripped-down sound. It’s straightforward and direct, capturing Mudhoney’s punk influence.

‘Six Two One’ – A short, fast-paced song that’s packed with energy, “Six Two One” exemplifies the band’s punk roots with a powerful, almost chaotic intensity.

‘Make It Now Again’ – A re-recorded version of “Make It Now” from Piece of Cake, this version is darker and grittier, showcasing how the band can reinterpret their own material with a new edge.

‘Deception Pass’ – An instrumental track that closes the EP, “Deception Pass” captures a different vibe, with atmospheric guitar tones and a slower, more reflective feel.

Of the seven tracks on this EP, four are new, two are rare, and ‘Make It Now Again’ has been re-recorded for this release.

After issuing such critically acclaimed albums as EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FUDGE and PIECE OF CAKE, Mudhoney decided to release a stop-gap, seven song EP in 1993, the mysteriously titled FIVE DOLLAR BOB’S MOCK COOTER STEW. Mudhoney lets it rip the only way they know how, raw and rocking, for the EP’s duration of 23 minutes.

The mini-album starts out on a surprisingly mellow note with ‘In the Blood,’ but things get cranked up soon enough with such titles as ‘No Song III,’ ‘Six Two One,’ and ‘Make it Now Again.’ FIVE DOLLAR BOB’S MOCK COOTER STEW is like a wild rollercoaster ride that’s over before you know it. It’s ideal for fans of the band looking for the rare and unusual.

Produced by Mudhoney, Five Dollar Bob’s Mock Cooter Stew retains the band’s characteristic raw sound without heavy studio polish. The production is straightforward, keeping the emphasis on the live feel of the instruments and the power of the performances. This approach enhances the EP’s grungy, garage rock vibe, allowing Mudhoney’s gritty sound to shine through without any commercial sheen, staying true to their punk-inspired ethos.

While Five Dollar Bob’s Mock Cooter Stew didn’t achieve the commercial success of some other grunge releases of the time, it was appreciated by fans for its authenticity and raw energy. The EP has become a cult favorite, particularly among those who appreciate Mudhoney’s commitment to the original spirit of grunge—loud, raw, and unapologetically unrefined. For fans of grunge and garage rock, this EP stands as a reminder of Mudhoney’s influence on the Seattle scene and their role in shaping the sound of 90s alternative rock.

Warner Brothers Records

Track Listing
1. In The Blood
2. No Song III
3. Between Me & You Kid
4. Six Two One
5. Make It Now Again – (’93 version)
6. Deception Pass
7. Underide