CD Review: Ass Ponys — The Okra Years - Page 2

The Okra Years is among the finest Alternative Rock releases of 2006. Not only is the music brilliant, but Cleaver's assemblage of songs is tremendously satisfying, creating a roller-coaster ride of chilling, brooding pieces that allow the listener to tumble into the psychotic aspects of relationships, and then speed things up to ascend peaks of wry, eccentric humor. And the cover art is mostly Cleaver originals nicked from show flyers when the band was making their way through the tumultuous club scene of the South and Northeast.

While my friend Kara was all wet about The Ass Pony’s being the reincarnation of The Velvets, she was spot on about the genius this band displayed from their early days. The Ass Ponys may never be the seminal influence the Velvets were, but in their own way, Chuck Cleaver and his mates allowed alternative rock to take giant strides in an industry that tends to eschew anything that doesn’t have commercial appeal. For that, and the originality they so consistently offered, the have my undying gratitude.

Article Author: Larry Sakin

Larry Sakin is a former music executive and non-profit medical organization administrator. He advocates for literacy issues and provides advocacy training for grassroots and non-profit groups around the country.

Visit Larry Sakin's author page — Larry Sakin's Blog