The Dean Ween Group ‘Rock2’ Review: sophomore solo release from Dean Ween (aka Mickey Melchiondo) is a funky, quirky delight.
It was just 2 years ago that Dean Ween released The Deaner Album, the début release from The Dean Ween Group.
His work ethic shows no signs of slowing down: in addition to touring both with said group (which features Mike Dillon, Bill Fowler, Ray Kubian and Scott Rednor) and the reunited Ween, he’s set to release the sophomore album Rock2 (out March 16th via Schnitzel Records). And like its predecessor (and his Ween output), it’s an engaging and diverse testament to his unique musical gifts.
The album kicks off with Showstopper, a cover from little-known act Iron Knowledge. It’s an infectious funk-rocker that plays to the group’s strengths, with an irresistible riff and rollicking percussion.
Fingerbangin is a sax-inflected track that comes off like a 60’s strip club anthem (and the pervy musical cousin of Tequila), while the 70’s tinged Don’t Let The Moon Catch You Crying (which originated as an unrecorded Ween song) features sweet vocal harmonies that feels like a lost Eagles B-side.
The album is augmented by guest performers including Ween alumni Claude Coleman Jr., Dave Dreiwitz, and Glenn McClelland along with Parliament Funkadelics’ Michael Hampton, Adam Weiner and more, all of whom contribute to a rich sonic stew.
Someone Greased The Fatman is another solid funk jam, while the woozy, psychedelic, The Heart of Palm wouldn’t be out-of-place on Ween’s 1997 album The Mollusk.
The frontman’s trademark crude humor is in full supply as well, including the obscenity laden boogie rocker Yellow Pontiac and the country ballad Pussy on My Pillow.
Rock2 is a breezy affair that bears the relaxed and friendly charms afforded by the singer’s frequent studio sessions near his Pennsylvanian home. Hopefully his impressive musical output continues, and we get a third album sooner rather than later.
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