Superstitious Mummys

Each listener may have their personal interpretation of what constitutes a "garage" band or "garage rock." This CD, which collects two sessions recorded three years apart, has such a heavy garage ambience that one almost wants to clean the disc off with an oily rag when it is finished. Willis has the kind of obnoxious, slightly snotty voice that has served music such as this well from the Standells to the Sex Pistols. Is he in that league? Nay, nay. But it does have its moments. For the earlier session, he largely ditches the grunge rock sound for poetry with minimal accompaniment, which might be more appealing to poetry slam fans. Virginia-based guitarist Karl Straub is on board, but doesn't get that much room for his brand of country-influenced picking.