Royal Lunch

King Missile | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 21, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Important Records
• ASIN: B0002S93Z8
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #373,392 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

What is left to say that John S. Hall and King Missile haven’t already said? Everything! The notoriously outspoken and eloquently sardonic Hall is back with the third incarnation of King Missile – and this time, his unrelenting lyrical avant poetry/spoken-wordism is angry, irreverently subversive and politically charged. King Missile III has taken aim at the Bush Administration and Royal Lunch is a direct shot at the heart of the monster, with John S. Hall channeling the socio-political climate of the globe, mixing in his slanted wit to create a brilliantly acrimonious masterwork. Though politics could be called Royal Lunch’s main obsession, other topics are also dutifully discussed by the post-beat NYC poet/lead singer: the bore of meditation, the sadness and terror of "joy," avocados, cake, kittens, babies, antimatter and Christina Ricci’s defense of King Missile on the Rosie O’Donnell show are all discussed with equal passion, eloquence and wit. Royal Lunch is as overtly political as it is slanted, sarcastic, sardonic and belligerent – all the elements of classic King Missile.

King Missile’s socio-political rants, evolving lineup and John S. Hall’s dry, witty, literate lyrics have kept them modern. Both lyrically and musically relevant, King Missile haven’t necessarily fallen behind or kept ahead; instead, they’ve built their own house and Royal Lunch may be the finest addition yet. Royal Lunch’s musical arrangements are as fascinating as Hall’s post-beat lyrical approach is engaging. Sasha Forte (King Missile’s multi-instrumentalist who also performs with Herbie Hancock) takes up bass, violin, guitar and keyboards while eccentric percussionist Bradord Reed plays a drum set paired with The Amazing Pencillina, a percussive stringed instrument of his own design. Guest musicians include King Missile regulars Jane Scarpantoni (who has played with Lou Reed, David Byrne, Norah Jones and Blonde Redhead) on cello and Jack Spratt on guitar.

Call this protest rock. Call it spoken word. Call it well-harnessed insanity. Call it sardonic for sure. Call it whatever you want, just don’t forget to call it King Missile III.