Ripple Rock

Evaporators | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 20, 2004)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Alternative Tentacles
• ASIN: B0000VJG2C
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #801,721 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

In a way, Nardwuar the Human Serviette is the Ali G of Canada. He runs a record label, is a member of at least two other bands besides the Evaporators, and has built a lovable and/or infamous rep as a celebrity interviewer for radio station CiTR FM 102 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Actually, it's unclear whether all of that makes him the country's Ali G. What is clear upon hearing Ripple Rock, their debut for Alternative Tentacles, is that the Evaporators only add to Vancouver's already impressive roster of indie-minded and slightly off-kilter rockers (New Pornographers, Destroyer, etc.). Ripple Rock is a raucous gift box of goofy lyrics ("[I've Got] Icicles on My Testicles"), trashy organ-driven garage rock like "Nard Nest" and "I Feel Like a Fat Frustrated Fuck" -- where Nardwuar's self-incriminating chorus is reiterated by always-lovely Vancouver resident (and ex-Cub-er) Lisa Marr -- and the world's best abbreviation in "I.D.N.M.F.T.T.M.W.M.F.A." The Evaporators include some Canadian history for their new American friends in the title track and album liners, and "Shittin' Party" is actually one of Ripple's prettier songs. That isn't to say anything here is ugly (well, maybe those outfits on the back cover...); on the contrary, the album is relentlessly hooky and full of frenetic electric guitar solos, and Nardwuar's high-pitched John S. Hall impersonation is oddly endearing, even if you aren't Canadian. Stay tuned for the hilarious interview snippets "Nardwuar vs. Rahzel" and "Nardwuar vs. Snoop Doggy Dogg" -- each are interesting forays into the psyche of a man with the stones to rhyme "L.A. Guns or Enuff Z'nuff" with "They come to mind but that's not the stuff" in the happy-go-lucky anthem "Addicted to Cheese." [Ripple Rock also included five bonus tracks from Nardwuar's other band, Thee Dublins.] ~ Johnny Loftus, Rovi --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Goofy novelty garage-punk... and I mean that in a good way., February 19, 2004

By 

DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Ripple Rock (Audio CD)

A fun, dumb, cheerfully irritating yet kinda catchy record. This Canadian quartet plays refurbished, pop-punked-up garage riffs at a lightning fast pace, packed with silly, dorko-rific lyrics on songs like "Nard Nest," "Salad Bar" and "Addicted To Cheese." It's the sound of cruising-into-middle-age pop-culture hipster geeks having a blast, playing their electric guitars and banging their little drums for all they're worth. This may not be an album that will live with you immortally forever, but it would certainly spice up a rock-based set on your local college radio station. Worth checking out.

4.0 out of 5 stars Goofy novelty garage-pop... and I mean that in a good way., February 19, 2004

By 

DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Ripple Rock [Vinyl] (Vinyl)

A fun, dumb, cheerfully irritating yet kinda catchy record! This Canadian quartet plays refurbished, pop-punked-up garage riffs at a lightning fast pace, packed with silly, dorko-rific lyrics on songs like "Nard Nest," "Salad Bar" and "Addicted To Cheese." It's the sound of cruising-into-middle-age pop-culture hipster geeks having a blast, playing their electric guitars and banging their little drums for all they're worth. This may not be an album that will live with you immortally forever, but it would certainly spice up a rock-based set on your local college radio station. Worth checking out.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure maple syrupy sweet masterpiece, March 13, 2004

By 

ironfrank "unlovablefrank" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ripple Rock (Audio CD)

This album is so life affirming that I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't benefit from listening to it. Fire your psychiatrist and buy Ripple Rock. Your problems will dissapear instantly.

Nardwuar is a hairball of joy. Every tune is filled with hooks, wit, and energy. I don't know what else to say but BUY IT or live out the rest of your shallow existence feeling like you're missing something.