Here is yet another great spoken-word from the legendary Mr. Rollins. This heavily tattooed, muscle-bound ex-Black Flag frontman with the gravel voice proves that turning forty years old only brings on more wisdom. A Rollins In The Wry consists of thirteen truth-spoken, edgy tracks.
The resulting CD is taken from a few nights out of nine weeks of performing live in spring of 1999 at Luna Park, Los Angeles, CA.
If you are a fan of Henry’s, you may notice that the “Intro” and “Encore” tracks on this album seem a bit a familiar. Indeed, they date back to mid-90’s, but are still good stuff. I credit Henry for including these past references because it gives the audience a connection and familiarity to his theories and prophecies.
His tone seems more mature and serious on this album than on previous ones. Fewer childhood stories and more political coverage pieces like “The United Colors Of West LA” and “Future Parents.”
I found myself giggling the most when he broke in with “Rite Aid”: “Some of my most interesting experiences have been in Rite Aid. I find myself going in, pack of gum, Rolaids, some condoms, I am done. Yet find myself standing in line for hours in front of one other person. Now I go in just to observe. I figure if I go in without a mission to buy anything, I can leave anytime I want. Just go in to observe the mutants.”
This hour-long compilation streaming conscious speaking held my complete attention and had me listening repeatedly. If you are not already a Rollins listener, I suggest you start with Live At The McCabes (1991). After a dose or two of that, you will be well set for A Rollins In The Wry.
~r. bellanca
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.