The Chickens: Prepare to Plug In

I bought this when the Chickens opened up for Southern Culture on the Skids: the Chickens killed, their energy was massive. See them live for sure. They played what some weasels refer to as "power pop," in a punk style. I don't know what I'd call it. Maybe pop punk rock - or I'd compare it to other bands. Pieces of what TPOH were doing, or Matthew Sweet, if he had more Clash in him. It was a good show.

So, I'm recommending you see them live. I'm not recommending you buy this record, which came out in 2000 and shows a less interesting band, with a production that lacks the energy of the live show. I'm also not saying don't buy it; this album does have one killer tune: "Plastic Bags" sounds like how the Chickens sounded live. It's a great song, and will likely be showing up on Best Canadian Songs lists at the end of the decade.

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The Chickens: Prepare to Plug In. Egg-cellent Records, 2000.
Review by Jeff Clayton. 6th issue, July 2002.

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