Description
Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet – Dim The Lights, Chill The Ham – Vinyl Record
Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet’s Dim The Lights, Chill The Ham (1991) is the second full-length album by the influential Canadian instrumental rock band, known for their mix of surf rock, garage rock, and quirky humor. Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet gained a following through their distinct blend of retro surf guitar riffs, punk energy, and a playful attitude, as well as their association with the cult TV show The Kids in the Hall, for which they composed the iconic theme song, “Having an Average Weekend.”
With Dim The Lights, Chill The Ham, the band expanded their instrumental surf sound, crafting tight, catchy tunes filled with jangly guitars, driving bass lines, and playful experimentation. The album, like much of their work, showcases their ability to balance humor and musicianship, creating a fun yet musically sophisticated collection of tracks.
The core of Shadowy Men’s sound lies in their surf rock influences, particularly in the reverb-drenched guitars and catchy, melodic riffs. The band channels the classic sound of 1960s surf rock pioneers like Dick Dale and The Ventures, but with a modern twist, often infusing their songs with punk-like energy and humor.
While Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet’s music is highly melodic and engaging, their songs are often minimalistic, relying on simple, repetitive structures that are expertly arranged to create a dynamic and compelling sound. The absence of vocals allows the band to focus entirely on instrumental melodies and rhythms.
Throughout Dim The Lights, Chill The Ham, the band plays with genres and moods, shifting between traditional surf rock, garage rock, and even hints of jazz or country-inspired motifs. Their sense of humor is woven into the album’s sound, with quirky track titles and unexpected sonic shifts, making the album both unpredictable and fun.
Key Tracks
“I Know A Guy Named Larry”: One of the standout tracks, this song features a driving rhythm and jangly guitar riffs that perfectly capture the band’s surf rock influences. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it one of the most accessible tracks on the album.
“Dim the Lights, Chill the Ham”: The title track encapsulates the band’s quirky style with its laid-back groove and melodic guitar lines. The song feels relaxed and breezy, evoking the mood of a lazy day at the beach, while the tight musicianship keeps it engaging.
“5 American 6 Canadian”: This track blends surf rock with a punk edge, featuring fast-paced drumming and a frenetic guitar melody. The song’s quick tempo and energetic feel show the band’s ability to mix retro surf with modern punk intensity.
“Running Meredith”: A slower, more atmospheric track, “Running Meredith” showcases the band’s versatility. The song’s twangy guitars and echoing sound create a moodier, more reflective tone, contrasting with the more upbeat tracks on the album.
“Who’s Afraid of Alison Hymer?”: One of the more playful and fun tracks on the album, this song features a bouncy rhythm and a catchy guitar riff that is both humorous and musically tight. The interplay between the instruments gives the song a lively, almost mischievous feel.
Much of the album evokes a sense of nostalgia for the 1960s surf rock era, with its bright, reverb-heavy guitar tones and upbeat rhythms. However, Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet inject this retro sound with a modern sensibility, often subverting expectations with quirky melodies and unexpected twists.
The band’s sense of humor is a key part of their appeal. While the music is technically skilled, it’s clear that the band doesn’t take themselves too seriously. The playful track titles, unexpected genre shifts, and whimsical melodies give the album a lighthearted, fun feel.
Despite the absence of lyrics, the songs on Dim The Lights, Chill The Ham often feel like they’re telling stories or evoking specific moods. Whether it’s the fast-paced excitement of “5 American 6 Canadian” or the laid-back vibe of the title track, each song has a distinct personality and narrative, driven by the dynamic instrumentation.
Guitarist Brian Connelly is at the heart of Shadowy Men’s sound, and his reverb-soaked, twangy guitar playing defines much of the band’s style. His ability to craft catchy, memorable riffs is a major highlight of the album, and his playing balances technical skill with a sense of fun and spontaneity.
Bassist Reid Diamond provides the driving force behind many of the tracks, often anchoring the songs with simple, repetitive bass lines that allow the guitar melodies to shine. His bass playing is both solid and melodic, adding depth to the band’s minimalist sound.
Drummer Don Pyle keeps the energy high throughout the album with his tight, precise drumming. His ability to switch between surf rock beats, punk rhythms, and more experimental time signatures helps to keep the album varied and dynamic.
Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet have maintained a dedicated cult following over the years, largely due to their unique blend of surf rock, punk, and quirky humor. While they may not have achieved mainstream success, their music has left a lasting impression on the instrumental rock scene, influencing a range of surf rock revival bands and instrumental acts.
One of the band’s most significant cultural contributions is their association with the Canadian sketch comedy show The Kids in the Hall. Their song “Having an Average Weekend” became the show’s theme song, introducing their music to a wider audience and solidifying their place in pop culture.
As one of the most well-known instrumental rock bands to emerge from the 1980s and 1990s, Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet helped pave the way for a resurgence of instrumental music, particularly in the surf rock and indie rock scenes.
Dim The Lights, Chill The Ham by Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet is a playful, energetic exploration of surf rock, punk, and instrumental rock, filled with catchy melodies and quirky experimentation. The album’s minimalist approach, combined with the band’s sense of humor and tight musicianship, creates a unique and engaging listening experience. As pioneers of modern instrumental rock, Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet have left a lasting legacy, and Dim The Lights, Chill The Ham remains a standout album in their discography, showcasing their ability to blend technical skill with a sense of fun and creativity.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Dim The Lights, Chill The Ham
Reid’s Situation
I Know A Guy Named Larry
Exit From Vince Lombardi High School
Aunt’s Invasion
Running Meredith
Bang Bang
Hot Box Car
In My Room
Dewy Drops Of Spring
5 American 6 Canadian
Who Painted Whistler’s Mother
Case Of The Missing Ladyfingers
Jackpot
D. Tour
Hunter S. Thompson’s Younger Brother
Misogomy & The Object
Ben Hur Picked Off In A Gazebo
Who’s Afraid Of Alison Hymer/Wow Flutter Hiss
You Spin Me Round ’86
Babakganoosh
Siesta Cinema
Dim The Lights, Chill The Ham Reprise
Thanks For Buying Our CD
Shaking All Over Bonus Track
