Trip Records: Press Desk: Review: Brian's Music Reviews

April 1998
Subject: Green & Checkers Green & Checkers

Green & Checkers
by Brian

So you've never heard of "Green and Checkers"? Well most people haven't. If more than 70 percent of your music collection is top 40, press your browser's BACK button now (if you have to actually go count them and do the calculation, do the same). Until someone in the band e-mailed me after visiting this site, and asked if I would listen to their CD and post a review, I hadn't heard of them either. Since they were kind enough to send me the CD, along with some bio stuff and a video, I was more than happy to do the honors. It sounded more interesting than that new Van Halen CD I was about to buy.

Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. Even after reading the information they sent, and checking out their website, I couldn't form a good idea about what category of music I was going to listen to.

So I listened. And listened some more. And more still! I've since decided there is no category for this band. But after 3 days, the CD is still firmly planted in my car CD player. The fact that there is no way to categorize the band or the CD is a good thing in this case. There is a little of everything here. Some heavy guitar tunes, R and B, Alternative. Songs with dark sounding vocals, reminiscent of Jim Morrison's spoken voice. A couple of the songs sound a little like Lou Reed. There's even some Mick Jagger-like stuff. Some songs could easily be played on a top 40 station without being out of place. Others belong in clubs and shops in Philadelphia's South Street section, or Dallas' Deep Ellum area. Those of you who've been to either of those places know what I mean (if you've never been to either, I strongly suggest at least one visit). This band clearly enjoys their craft and doesn't really care if some guy in a suit thinks he can get the stuff played on a radio station. That's the appeal of Green and Checkers.

There is plenty of fine guitar work. Bass is strong at the right times, and drums fit well and aren't overplayed (Some guys forget their role and play fills for 4 minutes; not the case here). The lyrics are not for those who order the same dinner at the same restuarant all the time. Some imagination is required to figure out that these are real life experiences. This is a virtual amusement park of music. By that I mean, you go to a park to have fun, and there are lots of things there to aid you in that quest. Some things you will love, some you will like, and some things maybe not so much. But you're never bored, and when you get home you always feel like you had fun. The same can be said for Green and Checkers. If you listen to the whole CD, you're gonna find something you like. If you listen to it again, you'll probably add one to the list of likes.

Now the hard part...finding a copy. I suggest calling before you go to the store. I doubt Best Buys or Walmart have this one. You're best bet is going to be to visit the following website: www.tripnet.com/trip/green. You can contact the band from there.

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