INTERNET EXPLOITER.COM, 06-03

Flying one of the best band names ever, I Can Lick Any SOB has established itself as not only one of the best live acts for your money, but also as the underdog in the Portland music scene.

Fronted by Mike Damron, 'SOB plays growling alt-country rock and roll. Its dirty. Its lo-fi. And its ass kicking. The drums groove, the guitars rage and the harmonica (which normally I would veto) makes the song in many cases. Thank David Lipkind who throws down the harp with 'SOB and other Portland acts like Nann Alleman's Spigot.

This is SOB's second album, and lyrically takes on many hot political topics. Dear Mr. Heston tackles gun control. The song's lyrics pack emotional punch along side the friskiness of the music. Hot stuff currently, especially with the attention Michael Moore's Bowling For Columbine documentary has been receiving. This song is the musical equivalent.

The Ballad of Courtney Taylor is a low down gruff rocker which takes a shot or two at The Dandy Warhal's Courtney Taylor. Some much needed shots at that. The Worhals came up out of the local music scene and since signing to a major label, have been, well, rock stars. A great song for its trashy breaks. I can't imagine many women not shaking their asses to this.

On Things That Fail, Mike D calls out a plentitude of things wrong in the US today. Despite pointing out the grievances, he ends with "Its all in the words we sing. Love is the key," That's a nice touch.

I love the album cover art. It's a continuation of the art featured on the back of Creepy Little Noises, 'SOB's first release. This time the "boxer" is going to lick the grinning specter of death who is wielding stars and stripes boxing gloves. Punch em Rocky.

Anyone unfamiliar with 'SOB, should pick up a copy of Here to Bleed to jam along side your Horton Heat and Hank Williams III. And make sure to play it loud. They didn't make this disc to fall asleep to. And anyone familiar with them should already own this disc.