Genre: rock
Rating: ** (2 stars)
Title: Beer Cans On the Moon
Company: Reprise
Catalog: MS-2195
Year: 1972
Country/State: New York, NY
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: small name written on top left of front cover and inner label; cut top right corner; small price sticker on cover
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4481
Price: $25.00
Cost: $66.00
So what do you get when you let a Fug go solo?
Well, in the case of 1972's self-produced "Beer Cans On the Moon" you get a mixture of plain goofiness and political and social commentary and satire. If your a Fugs fan then this will probably appeal to you. If you're not hip to The Fugs, then the combination of Sanders' somewhat limited vocal skills (his nasal whine is an acquired taste) and activist material that hasn't aged all that well ('Henry Kissinger', 'Shredding Machine' and 'Pity the Bird') is liable to turn off some folks (particularly anyone under say 30). On the other hand, keep in mind Sanders hasn't garnered his literary acclaim for no reason and there are some clever moments here (doesn't he own a book store in New York City?). The lead off number 'Rock & Roll People' serves to skewer a well deserving group that tend to needlessly hold themselves in high regard, while and song that manages to link a yodeling robot lusting for Dolly Parton 'Yodeling Robot'. Elsewhere, 'Kaw Valley Progressive Hempune' has a nice little cop from John Lennon's 'Happiness Is a Warm Gun'. Clearly the album won't appeal to everyone, but it's bound to stir memories for someone out there. (Sales proved non-existent and the LP's surprisingly hard to locate today.)
"Beer Cans On the Moon" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Rock & Roll People (Ed Sanders) - 3:00
2.) Nonviolent Direct Action (Ed Sanders) - 1:55
3.) Henry Kissinger (Ed Sanders) - 2:53
4.) Shredding Machine (Ed Sanders) - 3:23
5.) Pity the Bird (Ed Sanders) - 3:14
6.) Kaw Valley Progressive Hempune (Ed Sanders) - 3:49
(side 2)
1.) Beer Cans On the Moon (Ed Sanders) - 3:00
2.) Albion Crags (William Blake - Ed Sanders) - 3:50
3.) Yodeling Robot (Ed Sanders) - 3:35
4.) Priestess (Ed Sanders) - 2:49
5.) Universal Rent Strike Rag (Ed Sanders) - 1:58
6.) Six Pack of Sunshine (Ed Sanders) - 3:03