Search - James Mathus and His Knock-Down Society, Knockdown Society :: National Antiseptic

Mathus' Talent Shines

Jonathan Singer | Chicago, IL USA | 03/04/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The eclectic talents of James Mathus take center stage on his second solo release, National Antiseptic. Mathus' primary band, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, remain a popular band from the swing music resurgence of the mid 1990's. Though the Zippers, who Mathus fronts, were the most creative and talented of the pack, they still have faced tough competition in the land of teen pop and pretentious rap/rock. As a result, Mathus has taken several side projects, including a stint as Buddy Guy's guitarist a solo project, Play Songs For Rosetta, and now National Antiseptic.Mathus' greatest strength is his flexible voice. He croons like Harry Connick Jr. on tracks such as "Rock of Ages." He then shifts to a hard-edged bluesy howl, wonderfully exhibited on "Take a Ride" and "Hambone." Finally, Mathus gives the listener a twangy country voice on tracks such as "Back to the Bottoms" and "Innit For The Money." In all cases, his voice has a depth and character that immediately entices the listener.Another standout musical element is Mathus' guitar playing. Though primarily a blues album, Mathus' rockabilly and swing guitar style is evident throughout National Antiseptic. The fusion makes each song interesting, even simple folk songs such as "Nightingale."James Mathus made every track intricate on National Antiseptic. Even the most simplistic blues songs, such as "Boogie" have wild drum beats, melodic guitar lines, and pumping bass lines. Mathus' version of blues is more akin to Jimi Hendrix than B.B. King. The eclectic collection of songs also makes the album solid from start to finish. As his tastes vary, so do his songs. The listener is treated to country, folk, and swing songs in addition to blues. The best songs on National Antiseptic include "Take a Ride,"Snake Drive," "Rock of Ages," and "Back to the Bottoms." Each has a distinctness about it that makes it jump off the album. Weaker tracks consist of "Innit For The Money," "Spare Change," and "Chicken Town." They rely too much on instrumental jams that inhibit Mathus' vocal ability.Because of it's varied content, National Antiseptic is not an Earth-shattering album. It does have several excellent songs, however, and every track has something original to offer. James Mathus, as always, dares to swim upstream, fighting the copycat success formulas of many of today's artists. He doesn't worry about fitting into a certain category, or selling records. His concern is only with writing good songs, and he continues to succeed in doing so."

Soild effort

tin2x | Staten Island, NY USA | 11/08/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fine album somewhat in the vein of The North Mississippi All Stars. Mathus' album is produced by Jim Dickinson, amonth other things father of 2/3 of NMAS and Mathus himself appeared on Buddy Guy's superb "Sweet Tea" album. And therein lies the rub. While this is a solid affair and Mathus' guitar and voice are solid, it doesn't have the driving bottom end of the NMAS releases or Guy's album. Even with a cover of RL Burnside's "Snake Drive" this isn't quite as slamming a Mississippi hill/country blues affair. To be sure a lot of that is by design and it's not as if there aren't some moments where a monstrous boogie is achieved. But if you expect NMAS or Burnside/Kimbrough stomps look elsewhere. While those artists offer a mammoth groove on almost every track, Mathus lays back a little more, tends to keep the bass a little quieter and takes on more country stance. It will grow on you as an album too. Just accept it for what it is. The idea expressed in other reviews that it's a back porch affair is right on. As such the laid-back vibes is appropriate and it is certainly the work of someone making the music they love."

Ah, jimbo, why can't you win?

Stephe DK | A state of disbelief | 02/13/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"really, skip this half-baked jam session and go buy "Stop and Let the Devil Ride" (which inexplicably sells for like $28 or whatever on here). that's the album that will make you realize jimbo mathus is the unsung hero of drunken southern boogie rock. this album, however, just ain't got the grit, man, the swagger of that other gem."