Album Mini-review: Supersuckers — Holdin’ the Bag
File Next to: Long Ryders, Jason & the Scorchers, Peter Case
If Michael Jackson could hubristically anoint himself King of Pop, it stands to reason that Supersuckers should be allowed to crown themselves the Greatest Rock’n’Roll Band in the World. Though past efforts have found the rowdy trio cranking out hard rock, they’re not a one-dimensional act. As the title track of Holdin’ the Bag illustrates, they can turn out hard-bitten Americana-flavored rock that combines the best of singer/songwriter with the western end of c&w. There’s a boot-scootin’ ambience to the songs, but it’s knowingly grounded in rock’n’roll. And despite real life’s intrusions – bassist/vocalist Eddie Spaghetti is in cancer treatment – the band’s humor is always present; here’s an example: “This beer would taste a whole lot better / if I didn’t have to drink it with you.” And Supersuckers turn in credible modern/mainstream country (albeit with R-rated lyrics) on the chiming “High & Outside.”
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.