Cracker - Kerosene Hat

Many alternative-rock fans considered Camper Van Beethoven an important band, but I wasn't among them. Guitarist/vocalist David Lowerey always seemed smarmy and ridiculously happy with his own cleverness. Lowrey's new band, Cracker, has the potential to be even more annoying, since the quartet places the spotlight solely on its leader and songwriter, but its self-titled 1992 debut was a strong effort with a smart, infectious single ("Teen Angst"), and Kerosene Hat is even better. Recorded with stripped- down simplicity on an abandoned soundstage at the edge of the Mojave desert, the album concentrates on the band's undeniably catchy country-flavored garage punk. "Go For A Ride" is perfect highway music, and the single "Low" is almost as good as "Teen Angst." Unfortunately, the most inspired title and song topic-"Hi Desert Biker Meth Lab"-turns out to be wasted on a short snippet of noise and studio chatter. --Jim DeRogatis Amazon.com

One of the great albums of the 90's

When I first heard Kerosene Hat, it was on one side of a 90 min cassette recording a buddy made for me; the other side was of Cracker's Golden Age (another gem). This cassette didn't leave my deck until a few years later when I finally purchased the CD. Their cover of Jerry Garcia's Loser is brilliant - especially Johnny Hickman's great guitar. Speaking of Hickman (of whom I'm a huge fan), I could do without his one contribution to the album, "Lonesome Johnny Blues"; otherwise, a perfect album. April 20, 2007

This grew on me

When I bought this back in the day it was on the strength of the lead single "Low." I listened to it once or twice, and then it sat on the shelf a while.

Then I remember a friend of mine who mentioned that he really liked these guys cos of their strong songwriting, etc. I sort of looked at him and was like sure Jon, whatever you say.

Then about 7 years back, I ripped my entire CD collection to MP3 and listened to it again. I don't know if it's because I'm in a different place in my life now, but I really like it. I still listen to this record occasionally, it's held up remarkably well over time.
February 19, 2007

Great record!

This record, Cracker's second is a very good one. The songs are catchy, the lyrics are funny and the production is almost perfect. I'm a Camper Van Beethoven fan who liked the first Cracker cd a lot but Kerosene Hat is a gem.
If you like you're music real, try this record. December 14, 2006

not what I expected

There is only one song on the entire cd that is worth listening to. November 30, 2006

Excellent, start to finish

I bought this album as part of a reduced price deal cause I liked one of the hidden tracks "Eurotrash Girl" Well after a couple of listens I had to admit this was an undeniably great album. In fact, I have bought everything Cracker has ever put out since, they really are a great band that just knows how to write great songs. You will not be disappointed with this one. May 16, 2006

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