Brian Ritchie
The Blend

"Wild Man from Violent Femmes..." so said the sticker affixed to the debut album of the multi-instrumentalist bassist of the Violent Femmes, purchased by me as soon as it was released on the (fragrant) SST label in 1987.

At the time still a schoolboy and broke, I bought it on faith, without even having listened to it, I did not regret it, on the contrary, many years later I also bought a copy on CD.

And what an album, from the irresistible opening of "Alphabet", a rap funk, driven by an irresistible slapped bass, and note that, if I recall correctly, Ritchie himself doesn’t play it on all the tracks, dedicating himself instead to rhythm and lead guitar, also demonstrating considerable technical skill.

But it is not the only instrument Ritchie demonstrates mastery over, he also enjoys himself on the accordion, with the banjo and the flute. And what about the ethnic and irresistible "Arab Song" played with the support of the Arabic Tabla, a sort of drum.

Then the traditional rock blues of the almost title track "Days of The Blend", where he indulges in a classic guitar hero solo from the '70s.

Another highlight of the album can be found at the opening of side B with "Feat of Fools", opened by a jaw harp solo.

Another masterpiece is the cover of Sun Ra's "Nuclear War" opened by an irresistible bass riff, also in this rap instruments of all kinds, from wind instruments to percussion to xylophone, which Ritchie had already played in "Gone Daddy Gone", a track crowned by another guitar solo.

In essence, Brian Ritchie with this album gives free rein to all his passions, often repressed, within the mother trio, where leadership has always been firmly in the hands of Gordon Gano.

After his interpretation of the traditional "John the Revelator", the album closes with his delicate interpretation of a Rimbaud poem "Song of The Highest Tower". Highly recommended.