BOC: Solo efforts

[John A Swartz]

Oh, I think it is appropriate to talk about the various BOC solo efforts
here.  I'll provide a very brief review here.

Buck Dharma - "Flat Out" - Released in '82, can be found on CD only as
an import (but several of us have it and can tell you where to get it).
Very much oriented toward pop music (at least pop music of the early
80's), with lots of love-oriented themes.  Buck does all the vocals.  It
is much lighter fare than anything BOC has served up (including Club
Ninja), but some do like it -- it's not really very BOC sounding, and
only "Born to Rock" has any blistering guitar work.  Recommended for
those who like BOC's lighter side, are big fans of Buck's vocals, or are
diehard collectors.

The Brain Surgeons - "Eponymous" - Released in '94, might be found at your
local record store, or by writing directly to the The Brain Surgeons (don't
have the address handy at the moment - check the FAQ or send me an e-mail
request).  A collection of numerous songs, some light, some heavy, some
mellow, some witty - catchy lyrics, interesting rhythms, some great
drum work, and lots of cool vocals by both Deborah Frost and Albert
Bouchard.  Sounds more like a solo project than a new band as it was
really done by Albert/Deborah with some additional musicians helping out.
Recommended for those who liked BOC's heavy and humorous sides, are
collectors, or want to know what Al Bouchard has been up to since '81.

The Brain Surgeons - "Trepanation" - Released in '95, and probably only
available at the moment directly from the band.  Hard to call this one a
"solo" album, as it is really the product of a fully-established band.
While there are a few songs were written in the 70's (and you can hear
the 70's influence in them), most of this album is heavy, guitar-laden,
and very modern-sounding.  The instrumentation is fantastic (and the
word "crunch" keeps coming to mind), and the vocals are unbelievable.
If you buy yourself one CD this year, "Trepanation" should be it.

John