When the Barenaked Ladies put out their comical, radio-friendly album Gordon in 1992, it wasn't without controversy, but I have to admit it was lost on me. I mean even if there were naked women singing on or even posing for that album (and there weren't), no big deal, right? Ha, ha, those silly boys and their silly name and those silly songs. Soon enough we all got tired of the silliness and the Barenaked Ladies even went on to be a little more serious in their song writing.
On May 10, a new kind of "Gordon" album drops. This time it's serious and funny but it's not Brian Wilson's mental illness or Yoko Ono's quirkiness making us laugh. No Barenaked Ladies either (seriously, they're not on it,). Eighteen B.C. artists have come together to make Citizen's Rule - An All Anti Gordon Campbell Compilation.
BC Liberal Party leader Gordon Campbell, or Gordo as he is unaffectionately called round these parts, has inspired a whole new comedic album of sorts just in time for re/de-election. As hard as it is to laugh when you want to cry, I just couldn't help slapping my knee a few times while I first listened to Citizen's Rule.
I figured I'd be laughing when I first read the names of some of the songs (Gordon, Gordon (What Are You Snortin'), Developer's Lullaby, Rich Folks are People Too, A Contract Ain't A Contract Any More, etc.) The 19 catchy reminders of how disgusted I've been with the man over the last few years spoke to me in a way the radio just couldn't.
As easy listening as this album is, it's nothing like the music you're spoon-fed on the radio every day. This is music the way music was meant to be written; with a message. Those are emotions you hear regardless if it's a bluegrassy acoustic number (Todd Butler's "Heartland Song" ), a harmonized duet (Larry's "Point Grey Gordon") or an upbeat throaty ska number by D.O.A. (Earache)
The emotions run deep on this album and all walks of music are represented even if they couldn't all afford the same production costs. Half the time you want to sing along "the number they gave him when he held that little signZero. Three. Dash. Zero. Two. Six. Five. Nine" and other times you feel inspired to nod in time (or get up and dance if so inclined).
Songs with electronic beats include one by Amy Honey and Nuclear Weasels which I can't even tell you the name of in this family newspaper. In fact, I'm pretty sure every single one of the four letter words Gordon inspires me to say are on this album. Some of the same Gordon stories (drinking and driving, economics, selling out, promises) get repeated, but there was obviously no shortage of reasons to make this album.
All proceeds from Citizen's Rule - An All Anti-Gordon Campbell Compilation will go to local food banks, women's shelters and social welfare agencies that have suffered budget cuts under the Campbell administration. You can find the album and learn more online at www.bcfiberals.com and hopefully soon in better CD shops across B.C.
As Pete Campbell (no relation) sings on "Rich Folks Are People Too", "the library is closed but the mall is open".
