| 11 April 2009
Before we start, there are some things you must know. The record must be set straight. I'm sure you may read this and say to yourself, this isn't a critique at all. You may read this and think, hey, whoever wrote this crap has a serious obsession. You may read this and think either this guy is on to something or he's trying to confuse as many people as possible. Let me tell you, you're not wrong, you're just an asshole. I have a man crush... it's been going on for quite some time and I'm not embarrassed to admit it. It all started about 6 years ago when I was handed a mixed tape.
Track #1: Last Time - by Ike ReillyIt certainly seemed innocent enough at the time, what the hell did I know. Well I'll tell you, I knew something, and I knew it immediately, I knew this was not something I would just discard. Before the song was over, before it was even 30 seconds in, I knew I was interested, I knew I wanted to hear more. I couldn't tell you if it was the in your face lyrics, the truthful sarcasm in his delivery, or the vengeful rifts that could bring even a nihilist a new understanding of the worlds order.
The next step becomes obvious. As any good music lover would do, I did some research. It didn't take me long to find the Album, "Salesmen and Racists", and what a fitting relief when I found it. A quick visit to amazon.com and a few long days later... it was on. To my delight I was not at all disappointed, in fact I was thrilled to have found something that was new, different, catchy, and dare I say it, thought provoking. It wasn't long before I could easily recite every word on the album. Hail! Hail!, Duty Free, Hip Hop Thighs, and Commie Drives A Nova, to name a few.
Luckily for me I lived in Chicago at the time and to my surprise so did one (M)Ike Reilly. Or at least he was close enough to be willing to play Schubas Tavern on New Year's Eve. That night certainly took my love for the man to the next level. For some time I thought I was the only one, but on that night I learned I wasn't alone. It blew my mind the way that everyone in the entire bar was able to recite back to the band every word of every song. Either Ike had some incredible cult leader type charisma (which is very possible) or he (and the band) were simply awesome. I'd vote for both on that one. I remember picking up an unreleased 5 song CD entitled "Cars & Girls & Drinks & Songs" that night that would later be released on "Sparkle In The Finish" one of my favorite albums of all time. Believe me when I tell you it all gets better from there.
I'm going to try to refrain from telling you much more at this point, as we all know that at least some of the fun of music is self discovery and I'd hate to reveal too much. All I'm saying is check him out. Ike Reilly and The Ike Reilly Assassination, it'll be time well spent.
Furthermore, there's only one time I've ever felt like I could be an Ike Reilly Lyric and that was one night after I saw him play in Philadelphia. To make a long story short, I was pulled over for speeding on my way to see a girl I hardly knew. I had drunk a few beers and was driving with expired out of state plates. I got off virtually scot free somehow and proceeded to my destination where I slept in a 90 degree attic with a wet cloth on my head to keep cool for several hours before it was time for me to wake up and move on. It was pretty shitty at the time I must admit, but now I know it was a great accomplishment. Thanks Ike.
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