On the fifth full-length release from one of the leading figures of indie rock and his band of misfits, we are reminded of just how great The Ike Reilly Assassination is.
Ike continues to make raucous protest music that sounds like a collaboration between Bob Dylan and Chuck Berry. He has never been one to bow to what pop radio wants. He makes his music how he wants to make it, for everyone to enjoy or just one person to enjoy. But, more than one can find something to relate to.
The song "Fish Plant Rebellion" is a wake-up call to the workers of the world. Namely, you can't ignore the writing on the wall just because it has yet to affect you. He sings in the chorus, "Well we'll all raise up when the plant shuts down … we're all making car bombs." Musically, there is a dirty guitar riff with just enough pop production to make it work as a sing along. His songs always have me singing along. My favorite tune on the album is "Hip Hop Thighs 16." Ike is at his cocky, tongue-in-cheek best here, mixing hip hop, country and rock. It is very catchy and memorable. I was stomping my feet and imaging I was on a Chicago street corner drinking a beer with the savior of rock and roll.
"New Assassination Blues" is the kind of song Bob Dylan could have written. With lyrics like "They voted you in, you're the choice of the people, they voted you in, you're the talk of the nation, and now were drinking to your assassination," it is easy to see that he is not afraid to say what's on his mind.
Ike Reilly is an amazing artist who deserves to be famous for his music but will probably have to settle for being admired and respected by those who really know music. I like to think that's the way he would want it. He creates with a middle finger pointed at the establishment and I can't get enough of it.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

For more info go to: www.ikereilly.net/