The Rock Bottom Remainders

On May 25, 1992, at the Cowboy Boogie in Anaheim, CA, during the annual convention of the American Bookseller's Association, a new chapter in rock 'n roll history was written. Never mind that it wasn't, musically speaking, a particularly memorable chapter-it was certainly unusual. Here's a partial line-up of the musicians: Stephen King (guitar & vocals), Dave Barry (guitar & vocals), Amy Tan (backup vocals), Ridley Pearson (bass & vocals), Matt Groening (backup vocals), Robert Fulghum (mandocello, guitar & vocals), and Barbara Kingsolver (keyboards & vocals). The Rock Bottom Remainders is a mercifully short record of this historic gathering. Actually, I'm joking, they're not all that bad, and some even stand out. Both Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson bring a certain combination of Jimmy Page assuredness and David Lee Roth energy to their playing, and Barbara Kingsolver tickles the ivories with vim and vigor in an all-too-brief appearance. The band rocks on nearly a dozen golden oldies, including "Money" "Nadine," "Sea of Love," "Louie, Louie," "Gloria," "Teen Angel," and five others. Perhaps recognizing the less-than Hollywood-Bowl-quality of the musical numbers, the music is regularly interrupted for brief interview snippets with the authors. The funniest moment actually comes after the credits, however, when the authors try to figure out the dirty lyrics of "Louie, Louie." An interesting curio, for sure, and something to give to those looking for the latest Stephen King. It still might curl their hair. Recommended. (Available from most distributors.)