Sit down and relax, my children. I am about to tell you a story. It is a story that will amaze some, frighten others, and repulse even more. It is a story about divine intergalactic inspiration and midget wrestling. It's about aliens, turtles, and political aspirations. In short, it's about rock n' roll music, and those who valiantly try to bring it to the public.
Our story begins in 1993 when some local boys were rehearsing out at the old farmhouse (yes, the old farmhouse). All of a sudden, a spaceship appeared. It was the classic flying saucer shape, and it was even black and white. It burned a large circle into the ground, and in the center of the ground was a turtle. Neuter Cooter: "We took it as a sign that good things were going to happen. You start a band, a flying saucer comes down, something is bound to happen. It doesn't just happen to every band everyday."
The boys were given a divine inspirational gift that night and were rechristened as the Cooters. Under the guidance of the Supreme Cooter, who returns every year on Halloween night to give direction to his missionaries, the boys were told to go spread the word. Lead guitarist Raw Cooter was made the patriarch of the Cooter family. Among his brethren were bassist Neuter Cooter, drummer Judas Cooter and guitarist Kin Cooter. And off they went. They took their newfound abilities and began to spread the good word of rock n' roll every where they went, telling anyone who would listen.
Playing all over the Southeast, they have amassed a swelling base of devoted fans and assorted disciples. Some of you may remember Raw Cooter's ill-fated presidential bid a few years ago. Some of you may have had a sticker suddenly appear on your vehicle without your approval or request ("We told the kids to put them on their lunchboxes and Trapper-Keepers," explains Judas Cooter, "but they went crazy with them.") For many years, the Cooters brought their message to Oxonians, young and old alike, by way of our beloved Hoka. Unfortunately, our gem in the rough closed on us, and the Cooters moved underground. We've seen or heard from them only occasionally since.
Well, all that's about to change. That's right, on Monday night, The Cooters will be bringing their own personal brand of rock n' roll to Oxford's own Proud Larry's. Rarely afforded the chance to play in front of a hometown crowd, The Cooters couldn't be more tickled. They're anxious to tell people about Raw's latest political aspirations, running for governor ("Vote for me or else"). Or about Judas Cooter's recent trip, with the Supreme Cooter, to the nether regions on a journey of knowledge and spirituality. And about the new album, "The Moon Will Rise Again."
There are probably more than a few of you right now thinking, "Well, they're definitely an interesting bunch of boys, but I don't want pay a cover to see some bunch of loonies up on stage that just might steal my girlfriend. What about the music?"
Luckily for us, the music is superb. Blending influences of swing, punk, rap, rockabilly, and thrash with a decidedly Southern edge, The Cooters create a distinctive sound that expands from this diverse base. With one listen to their new album, their formidable musical chops become unmistakable.
"Dare To Defy," the first track, launches the listener into the fast paced world of The Cooters. A commentary against conformity, "Dare To Defy" begins with an ominous rumble that highlights the focused rhythm skills of Judas and Neuter Cooter on drums and bass, respectively. As the song builds to its furious climax, it provides a showcase. for the throughout the album, especially on "Soulfood" and "Purge."
"Soulfood" is downright funky. The guitar solo at the ending is one of the most inspired on the whole recording. Raw Cooter's sax work at the end makes the listener yearn to hear this song with a full horn section. Maybe one day.
After a brief acoustic interlude titled "Cootersaurus," the boys creep into one of the standout songs, "Purge." A hardcore swing number (impressive to pull off by any standards), "Purge" is propelled by the scathing lead guitar work of Raw Cooter. Without missing a beat, they launch into the "Purge Reprise" which downright whups ass. Following "Reprise" is an old favorite, "Punch Yer Neighbor," which has been redone and transformed into a full aural assault.
Another favorite follows with "Long Live The Cooters," a rockabilly tune propelled by the rapid-fire drumming of Judas Cooter. Without a doubt, this will be the dance tune of the evening.
This Monday night will be a party. It will be an evening of adventure and excitement for all those who pass through the doors of Proud Larry's. Best of all, the music's gonna make you shake. Plus, everybody gets some Cooter. What more could you want?
Reprinted with permission.
