by Beverly Paterson in Album Reviews
The Shamey Jays "Four Of Your Pretty Packages" (Blindspot 120)
San Diego, California is home to The Shamey Jays, who are slated to release their debut album this summer. But until that occurs, they've issued a sneak preview of such goods in the form of "Four Of Your Pretty Packages," which as the title slyly implies, contains a quartet of songs.
Comprised of Billy Gruff on vocals and guitar, Jerry Rig on bass and vocals, Matt Silvia on guitar and vocals, and Spud Davenport on drums, The Shamey Jays concentrate on mean and lean rock and roll. Here's a band that reaches back to the days when real people played real instruments, tunes were tuneful and the production was simple yet effective.
Sounding like the missing link between The Chocolate Watch Band and The Black Crowes, "Quittin' Time" sizzles and snarls to a rugged blues buttered garage punk mentality. Spilling forth with manic energy, chugging guitars and slaving rhythms, "Real Bad Bar Fight," "Happy Is The New Down" and "I've Always Had It" further reel and roar with punchy pop sensibilities. Amid the rough and tumble execution, The Shamey Jays spool out bellowing Paul Revere and The Raiders styled harmonies and hook after hook. Snatches of "Beggar's Banquet" era Rolling Stones can also be spotted in the band's music. There's no mistake The Shamey Jays have their hearts in the right places and that alone makes them special. Pencil these guys in as a band to watch for.
