Beauty Pill - The Unsustainable Lifestyle, 2004

In a previous review I looked at D.C.'s Smart Went Crazy, a Punk/Pop/Jazz combo lead by Chad Clark. Honestly, as I listen, Beauty Pill is practically the same band lead again by Mr. Clark, and a ragtag group of SWC survivors. A similar energy, Clark's songwriting and studio methodology, and a sensibility that makes them approachable and serious without being too overtly political. But, they're from D.C., and who isn't political there. But the secret seems to be, as a group, they're really only interested in telling real stories with great music, drawing us in with acumen and aplomb. And not without context. These aren't etherial musings on issues, but direct cause and effect questions. Will you come visit me when I'm in prison? Telling us the Mule's name is Consuelo, if we'd been introduced. And that, if we think about it, Idi Amin's violent dictatorship, and the assassination of John Lennon are just two terrible things that happened, why not go outside and stop them. It's a good question by a good band who just wants to know. This record suggests that it takes more than hooks and looks to make a point. Thanks, Beauty Pill, I think I get it.