Max Random – Analog Man
“Analog Man” is the new album from folk satirist Max Random. The album opens up with “Godzilla,” an acoustic & vocal tune about a kaiju attack, which uses an electric guitar hit to mimic the sound of a Godzilla attack. With scathingly funny observations about modern social issues, the song sets the tone for the album and lets you know you are in for a good time and some great laughs.
The second track, “Mister D,” is a slow and somber reflection on death from the point of view of Death himself. It offers a hilarious and well thought out examination on our ultimate fate. In track three, “Pessimists Can’t Pretend,” Random turns his scathing wit inward, in a meta-analysis of the work of a satirist. Track four, “Lesbian Folk Song,” is a lament on the difficulties of having a lesbian as a wingwoman, particularly in losing one’s quarry to said lesbian. Track five, “Relativity of Me,” is another self-reflection as Random looks in on his own shortcomings with comedic flair and an upbeat accompaniment. Track six, “Ganja Babe,” is a live performance recording of a song about a lengthy weed binge. Track seven, “You Were Cool,” takes a bit more serious of a turn, paying homage to a student Random attended school with who was treated poorly by their peers. Song eight, “I’ve Smoked Weed Everywhere,” returns to comedy with random narrating his weed travels in a Bob Dylan-esque rapid-fire list of cities where he has smoked weed. Song nine, “It’s Not Goodbye Forever,” is a slower tune in which Random wishes a goodbye to a friend who has passed on. It’s a surprisingly touching tribute given the lighter tone of the rest of the album. Song ten, “Monster Hash,” is a weed-based parody of the classic rock song, “Monster Mash.” It’s an adept rendition of the song and has a few chuckles sprinkled throughout the verses. Track eleven, “Come on Baby” is a song about earning a living for the love of a woman, by any means necessary. Track twelve is the album’s title track. “Analog Man” is another slow, self-reflective tune in which Random talks about his own difficulties in keeping up with the rapidly changing world while trying to goad the audience to get out and live rather than watching television. Track thirteen, “Big Dog,” breaks out a classical country influence and rives it home by emulating vinyl qualities in the mix. Track fourteen, “Groundhogs Day,” is a fairly straightforward and sweet love ballad about wanting to hang on to a perfect day with a perfect girl. In track fifteen, “Ballad of Johnny Boone,” Random relays the story of a simple ganja farmer from Kentucky who was loved by his community. The album wraps up with profanity-free “radio edits” of “Monster Hash” and “Godzilla.”
For fans of alternative folk music and weed humor, Analog Man should be a fun listen.
Purchase Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/analog-man/id935408749
7/10 Stars.
– Travis Legge