Meat Puppets, the Modern Era

Trying to label Meat Puppets’ sound is laughable, given their constant exploration of new sonic highways over the course of 27 years. They were labeled “punk” early, based more on their presence on pioneering L.A. punk label SST than their sound. From their inception, though, they’ve been pushing in whatever direction struck the fancy of frontmen/brothers Curt and Cris Kirkwood — psychedelia and pop-folk, stoner rock and country. They’re fully capable of monstrous, Southern-fried classic-rock riffage that would make ZZ Top proud, and time-shifting, proggy excursions that Rush fans could appreciate. Curt Kirkwood’s guitar playing is of the face-melting variety, and his brother’s bouncing bass lines serve as a perfect complement. Rather than label them, I just say that Meat Puppets are easily one of my favorite bands, ever. My expectations are high every time I see them, and I’ve never been disappointed.