It may be that mainstream stardom has bypassed Soul Coughing because they don’t have an agenda like that of the stereotypical rock star or maybe it’s because they didn’t make the flashy video that a band needs to become MTV’s latest darling. It is fortunate for all of us that these factors are requisite only to make more money and that good music is independent of them both. Hence, el oso.
el oso’s lyrics are spacey without being unorganized, and repetitive without appearing so. M. Doughty’s coarse voice accompanies beats that are as funky as any hip-hop groove. Soul Coughing is rock, rap, pop, and hip-hop. They have found a clever way to infuse many different genres in creating their own distinct sound.
El oso is one remarkable album. Doughty has an uncanny ability to frolic with a verse as illustrated in the catchy chorus that the luscious “Blame” boasts. While “St. Louise Is Listening” is darker than the Soul Coughing norm, it is rich with the usual discordant guitar and synthesizer. The flowing bridge, “I could be your babydoll/ I could be your doll baby/ I could be the thing you want/ I could do it all for you,” is a great ending for this perfect song.
“Houston” combines sounds that can be described as both retro-synth and beatnik. It is my favorite track on the album. In this song, they save their trademark recycling of lyrics for the end when “roller-boogie mother-fucker” is repeated. “Monster Man” is fiery and turbulent, then soft and almost gentle. Doughty’s powerful voice is a vehicle that brazenly delivers his many moods. Soul Coughing offers music for everyone.
+ john mccaffrey
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