After listening to his debut release, Blue Plate Special, several times, I have come to the realization that Rick Altizer must be someone who likes to break the rules.
First of all, and thankfully so, Altizer doesn't take himself too seriously. Perhaps it is this reason alone that makes this remarkably different project so much fun. And fun it is, from the "dead fish on a plate" motif carried throughout the packaging and liner notes, to the hilarious multiple incarnations of Altizer on the inside portraying each of his fictitious band members (some of these photo-sketches are truly inspired and quite hilarious). This representation is not altogether untrue because, except for the occasional guitar solo by co-producer Adrian Belew, Altizer plays nearly every instrument and sings every vocal part on the project. Clearly, Altizer is a multi-talented performer who has every right to take himself seriously, perhaps even conceitedly, yet chooses to mix it up in a fun and friendly manner and give the glory to God.
That doesn't mean there aren't any serious issues tackled on this project. You may not, however recognize some of these issues right off. The fun and rockin' first track, "Make A Monkey" pokes fun at evolution and living an impulsive life, while the sarcastic title track compares society's constant repackaging of the things of old to "yesterday's chicken," which makes for quite a humorous analogy. The standout track is probably the Dylanesque "Jan's The Best," which is dedicated to Altizer's wife, Jan - apparently because she's "the best." Other, more serious tracks, include the other-worldly "Oxygen Tank," the haunting "River Of Grace" and the somber last track, "When You Walked Up That Hill."
Stylistically, Altizer seamlessly melds Eric Champion's glitz with Bob Dylan's stories, U2's melodies, and Steve Taylor's or Randy Stonehill's humor. Every track is heavily layered with extra instruments, percussion to spare, and a multitude of Rick Altizer's singing along for good measure. Although Altizer could have easily played every instrument on the project, Adrian Belew's screaming guitars are interspersed throughout, adding an edge that would otherwise be missing. Some of the guitar solos don't sound exactly like guitars, and there are some other instruments floating around in there that I don't even recognize, allowing for a variety of textures that explore many different moods, thoughts, and emotions. Blue Plate Special benefits from not having the standard Nashville session players sitting in, and definitely does not sound like any other album being released these days.
In addition to hogging all of the instruments and all of the vocal chores on his "first album ever," Altizer also wrote every track, proving himself to be one of the more refreshing songwriters in Christian music. One of the great things about Altizer's music is that he is able to transform his unabashedly upbeat, hooky pop songs into cool, unique, slick, brain-teasing rock/pop, framing his lyrical messages in everyday terms that anyone could relate to. The twelve songs on this project are radio-friendly ear candy that would be just as at home on mainstream top forty radio stations as within the Christian market.
Another bonus is Altizer's insightful, yet brief liner notes in which the reader will find little behind-the-scenes tidbits and sparks of inspiration for each song. These notes really are interesting and entertainingly written and, once read, sometimes even add another level to the meaning of a song.
The main downfall I see concerning Rick Altizer's future is that he is going to have a hard time topping this album with his next release. Maybe by then he'll find some more rules to break and we'll be ready for him to "serve up" another new dish. Any way you look at it, though, Blue Plate Special is no "yesterday's chicken."
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartRick Altizer is something of a multi-instrumentalist. All parts on this record, save a few percussive duties, are performed by Altizer and his co-producer, King Crimson guitarist Adrian Belew. Guitar is obviously not just Belew's favourite instrument, it is the dominant one here, and both Altizer and Belew have given aficionados quite a variety of tones to enjoy. The sound is very much pop-rock,…
