Peaches (real name Merrill Beth Nisker) came out of left field with her debut album "The Teaches of Peaches" (2000). Songs almost dealing exclusively with sexual and/or gender themes, over monotonous dance beats; one might think Peaches is a one-trick-pony. While her debut album was refreshing and exciting, the novelty was starting to dewind with the release of her second album "Fatherf.cker" (2003). Fortunately, Peaches new album, the hilariously titled "Impeach my Bush," (2006) sees Peaches get back on track, with her best album yet.
"Impeach my Bush" is not a 180 degree turn from her previous albums. "Impeach my Bush" uses the same electronic/dance formula as her previous albums, but this time around the songs are more varied and ambitious. "Impeach my Bush" encompasses elements of punk rock, occasional live drumming and retro-new wave into the formula. While the title of "Impeach my Bush" would suggest that it is something of an anti-war, political protest album, that's not really the case. Peaches familiar themes of sex are still front and center.
The album immediately goes straight for the jugular with the opening "F.ck or Kill," in which Peaches declares "I rather f.ck who I want than kill who I am told to," which can be seen as both a feministic rallying call and a stinging indictment against the Bush regime. It's not hard to decipher "Tent in your pants," which is more club/hip-hop leaning and would be a good contender to use as a single. "Hit it hard," with its unpredictable assault of beats and synths is utterly engrossing. Its lush chorus adds much color and melody. The hard-rocking "Boys Wanna be her," with its engrossing rhymes over a Sabbath-like riff, works very nicely and comes as an unexpected but satisfying surprise. The not-so-subtle "Downtown," and "Two Guys (for every girl)" with their danceable synths, have an almost Kraftwerk/new-wave feel, but their modern rap delivery prevents them from sounding retro. The okay, but not great "Rock the Shocker" is another dance/club sounding track that keeps the album's momentum going. The punkish riot-grrrl rock of "You Love it" would make Courtney Love proud and gives the album a shot in the arm full of adrenalin. The fee-flowing rhymes, infectious beats and cool synths make "Slippery Dick" another memorable number. "Get it," another more punk-rock leaning song, comes as another unexpected change-of-pace, keeping the listener attentive. "Give `er" is another dance/club meets New-Wave hybrid that works well. "Do ya" is a more laid-back rocker, but no less exhilarating. The closing "Stick it to the pimp" is pretty much old-school, familiar Peaches, and wouldn't have sounded that much out of place on the first two albums, and makes for a good closer.
Not only is "Impeach my Bush" Peaches most infectious collection of songs to date, but what makes "Impeach my Bush" really work is its exciting and unpredictable mix of hip-hop/club beats, punk, new-wave trimmings, and rock. You never really know where the album is going so it's always exciting. It's obvious that Peaches didn't just throw this album together with scraps left over from the first two albums and that a lot of time and effort was put into creating "Impeach my Bush." While Peaches may not be for everyone, if you liked the first two albums, you won't be disappointed here. "Impeach my Bush" is a very, very cool album.