Sour Juice and Rhyme

This is the kind of record that could only have appeared on an independent label like Righteous Babe. And while there's some excellent stuff on here, there's also far too much that could have used judicious editing. At points there are poetry slam lyrics ("Dog Grab Dog"), sophomoric political tracts disguised as entertainment ("Feminist Housewives" and "Search Light"), and the just plain stupid "Areola Prayer." But it's far from being an entire waste of space. When they nail things right, there's power in what this pair do, as on "Secret Candy," a searing piece of hip hop, or the wonderfully goofy "Croquet." The intent of being very political and pro-gay is all extremely worthy. But you have to think that in ten years they'll listen to this and cringe with the simplicity of the political positions they put forth -- life just isn't black and white any more. But there are plenty of smart beats, and some good violin (and viola) playing from Bitch. Former Fanny member June Millington produces sympathetically. But it's a shame she didn't show more of an iron fist inside her velvet glove and make the duo work a bit harder. There's talent here, but they'll need someone firm to stop the self-indulgence and bring it out properly.