Artist: Buster Poindexter Album: Buster Goes Berserk

Year: 1989
Duration: 0:0-1

Buster Goes Berserk: A Critical Review of Buster Poindexter's Album

Buster Poindexter, also known as David Johansen, is an American singer-songwriter and actor known for his unique voice and engaging performances. He rose to fame in the 1970s as a member of the New York Dolls, a band that helped shape the punk rock genre. In the 1980s, Johansen reinvented himself as Buster Poindexter, releasing several successful albums, including Buster Goes Berserk, which we'll review today.

Buster Goes Berserk was released in 1989 and features a mixture of rock, blues, and jazz influences. The album has a distinct New Orleans sound, with horns and piano driving most of the songs. Today, we'll dive deep into the tracks, talk about Buster Poindexter's career, and assess the album's impact on music.

The album starts with the upbeat and danceable track Back in the Good Old World. The song sets the tone for the rest of the album with its jazzy horns and rollicking piano. Buster's voice is in top form throughout the song, and you can feel the joy and exuberance in his performance.

One of the standout tracks from the album is Hit the Road Jack. The song is a cover of the Ray Charles classic and features a call-and-response structure with Poindexter playing the role of the protagonist. The horns are again a standout feature of the song, and Buster's growling vocals add to the song's energy.

Another notable song on the album is Breakin' Up the House. The song starts with a slow build, with a minimal arrangement of just guitar and vocals before exploding into a full-blown party anthem. The song features a catchy chorus and a memorable horn riff that will stick in your head long after the song ends.

One of the album's most innovative parts is the inclusion of a spoken-word poem by the beat poet Jack Kerouac. The track, On the Road Again, features Buster Poindexter reciting Kerouac's words over a jazzy piano backing. It's a departure from the rest of the album's more traditional song structures but fits in well as a palette cleanser between the album's more upbeat tracks.

Overall, Buster Goes Berserk is a solid album that showcases Buster Poindexter's unique style and his versatility as a performer. The album's mix of rock, blues, and jazz influences mesh well together, creating a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience. While not every song on the album is a standout, there aren't any weak spots, and the album is still a fun listen thirty years later.

In conclusion, Buster Poindexter's album Buster Goes Berserk is a must-listen for anyone interested in rock, blues, or jazz music. Poindexter's unique voice and energetic performances are on full display throughout the album, and the New Orleans-inspired sound gives the album a distinct flavor. While not perfect, the album is still a fun listen today and is a testament to Buster Poindexter's talents as a musician and performer.