Ween - Chocolate And Cheese, 1994

reviewed by Judasfry

After the ribbing I got from our editor-at-large, (and if you've ever met him, he is no petite sweetie, more like a junkyard rabid dog foaming and storming about, bitching about deadlines, and whatever else gets in his craw) for my "hippie" sensibilities, I figured I'd prove him RIGHT, and review a true homegrown style band that does it basically for the love of the music.

This album was their fourth full length release, and the first one that used an actual professional studio. Prior, they had been recording on four-tracks. The cover is definitely eye-candy, with a woman's torso barely covered, and wearing a WWE-like belt with the band's name and mascot/god/demon, Boognish as the buckle. They originally wanted to do a gay sailor theme, but the label execs thought that may not bode well in these BS PC times.

Dean (Michael "Mickey" Melchiondo, Jr) and Gene (Aaron Freeman) Ween show their versatility and mastery of the craft over and over again on this release. From the raucous opener "Take Me Away" to the closer "Don't Sh%$ Where You Eat" it's a combination of hilarious lyrics, and obvious nods to 70's pop/rock. Many of their tunes have appeared in various films and TV, most notably in the recent films Road Trip, and Dude, Where's My Car?

Around my humble abode, a favorite is the ballad (and I use this term for lack of a better one) "Baby Bitch", which much to my in-laws chagrin, my 3 year old daughter has memorized the words to after many a slow dance with daddy. I also greatly enjoy "Buenos Tardes Amigo," a tale of murder, false accusation and sibling rivalry on the level of Cain and Abel.

So, get out to your local independent music store and get this one secured into your collection, and enjoy!

[Although, I prefer to think of myself as a strict, but fair editor, it's now obvious that Judas's lack of professionalism isn't just in the office. Be that as it may, we still have to tell the people what to listen to and why. That, dear readers, is the MOTTO (actually, it is. Right there in the lobby. It's, really, the first thing you see...) of this fine organization. I strive, regardless of my closed and locked door policy, to defend the first amendment. And, MUCH TO MY CHAGRIN, Mr. Judas... I'm going to put this to press, you SOB... By the way. He... Is... Correct... itactuallyrules... There, I said it.]