You've probably heard this one a million times, but I'll try it anyway. What has 14 legs, one horn, and sounds like the Schlitz Malt Liquor bull charging through your front door? It's CREAM ABDUL BABAR! You see, CAB has all the punky charm and unique angular heaviness of Alternative Tentacles-era NEUROSIS, but without all that sullen seriousness. I mean, they're as much fun as a pinata stuffed with those little marshmallows or maybe those playing cards with the naked ladies on them. If you haven't picked up their impressive 2-disc "Excavation 1995-98" collection, then you're missing out on some of the best heavy indie rock the 90s had to offer. And speaking of the 90s, this latest EP is a cool collection of covers from some of CAB's fave artists (HELMET, MINISTRY, etc.) The cover of JESUS LIZARD's pounding "Gladiator" is the pick of the litter in my opinion (along with the pulverizing live bonus track), but I'm a little biased toward Yow and the boys. The sparkling-yet-gritty version of MIRA's "Space" is also excellent. Makes me wanna see these guys bumping into each other on a tiny stage at a cruddy live venue somewhere. Be sure to visit the CAB website asap to get ahold of this disc and other releases by this fine band.

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/creamabdulbabar

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