Described by
Mark Arm on release as a chance to get new songs out for fans in between albums -- which might not sound important, but for a band on an album-centric major label still counts for something --
Five Dollar Bob's Mock Cooter Stew is part compilation, part collection of new goodies. One cut is a spectacular re-recording from the previous year's
Piece of Cake,
"Make It Now," here titled
"Make It Now Again" and taking no prisoners from its heavy-duty
psychedelic start, while two further efforts,
"Deception Pass" and
"Underide," had previously appeared on
Piece of Cake-related singles. Of the four new songs, meanwhile, they're a rough but engaging little blend.
"In the Blood" is one of the more restrained and almost personal cuts
Mudhoney ever recorded, with a mid-range pace and a slightly queasy organ part setting a downbeat mood that
Arm resignedly sings over.
"No Song III" keeps things from being too down, though; this time around the analog synth creates an almighty buzz that
Suicide could have been proud of while the foursome rips along at a fast clip,
Dan Peters showing some sharp drumming flair as he goes.
"Between You and Me Kid" explores a newer touch for the group, with a
honky tonk country touch that hints at the following year's collaboration with
Jimmie Dale Gilmore.
"Six Two One," in contrast, sticks to
Mudhoney-qua-
Mudhoney,
garage rock straight up that looks in the face of
grunge's success and laughs. Speaking of humor, the credits get in a gentle jab at
Nirvana (a few months before that became impossible), with the producer/
Young Fresh Fellows member credited as
Curt and
Kurdt Bloch (real spelling:
Kurt). ~ Ned Raggett
