eMusic Review 0
In some sense, the Holy Modal Rounders were grounded in the same theatrical tradition as the Fugs. Were they truly an authentic old-time music act or a demented dead-on parody of same? Looking like a “dirty old man in silk pants” and singing like his own grandpa, Peter Stampfel and his merry men were just as successful playing to both sides of the aisle, a testament to the enduring weirdness of American music down through the centuries. Their repertoire was no joke, though; it was consistently choice, from “Soldier’s Joy” and “Down the Old Plank Road,” to “Fishin’ Blues” and “Blues in the Bottle,” the latter two of which also appeared on the Lovin’ Spoonful’s first album. But just as true to their mission were originals like the ebullient “Mr. Spaceman” and the loopy classic, “Euphoria.”
