April 18, 2022

1993 - October: Cracker “Kerosene Hat”

41 minutes

The California band Cracker would have its greatest success with its second studio album, Kerosene Hat. Cracker is David Lowery on lead vocals and guitar, Johnny Hickman on lead guitar and vocals, Davey Faragher on bass and vocals, and Michael Urbano on drums. The name of the album comes from a time when Lowery and Hickman lived together in an old run-down house whose only heat source was a pair of kerosene heaters. They had to walk to a nearby gas station to buy more kerosene and would bundle up with a wool cap that came to be known as the kerosene hat.

While the group considered themselves more drawn to roots rock or country, the album went platinum during the days of grunge as an alternative rock sound. It definitely does not follow the over produced "hair band" sound that was beginning to wane in the early 90's. Much of the album was recorded in an abandoned sound stage in Pioneertown, California, in a location so run down that the group had to round up old mattresses from junk yards to provide insulation on colder days. The band holds a music festival there each year.

Wayne leads this expedition into the early 90's rock scene.

Low

This single only reached number 64 on the US Billboard Hot 100, but it was number 3 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks. Lowery claimed that the song was not about drugs, and that the lyric is not "like being stoned," but "like being stone." Other lyrics like "a million poppies gonna make me sleep" make this claim seem a bit more dubious.

Get Off This

The second single from the album is a response to former fans who accused Cracker of selling out to make more mainstream music. The response is obvious from the chorus: "So let's get off this, and get on with it. If you wanna change the world, shut your mouth and start to spin it."

Lets Go for a Ride

This deeper track is well described by the title - it is a driving song. "So, drive real fast through the underpass, and if we die or if we crash, well, I'd be flattered to be buried right next to you."

Euro-Trash Girl

This is a bit of a "hidden track" on the CD (coming in at #69), and is a favorite of serious Cracker fans. It was originally released on the EP "Tucson" It tells the story of a lonely guy in Europe who suffers through a series of break-ups. The band wrote this as a group, partly based on things the members had experienced, and some made up situations.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

I Can See Clearly Now by Jimmy Cliff (from the motion picture “Cool Runnings”)

The appearance of the Jamaican national team in the bobsled event for the 1988 Winter Olympics inspired this movie staring John Candy.

STAFF PICKS:

Sober by TOOL

Rob brings us a grunge song from the Los Angeles band Tool. The song is off their debut album, but it was most known for its creepy stop-action video. Similarities to Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" have prompted a number of mash-ups. The lyrics were inspired by a friend of the band whose creativity only came out when he was under the influence.

Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms

The song Brian features was written by guitarist Doug Hopkins about his former girlfriend. Hopkins was fired for unreliability associated with his heavy drinking, but the song propelled the Gin Blossoms to success. Hopkins became depressed and committed suicide in December 1993.

Perfectly Good Guitar by John Hiatt

Bruce's staff pick is a minor key blues number from a singer-songwriter who has worked with a tremendous amount of artists. This song from his eleventh studio album laments the way that rock stars get attention by smashing up perfectly good guitars.

Bad Thing by Cry of Love

Wayne's staff pick is a deeper cut. Cry of Love is out of Raleigh, North Carolina, and has a sound reminiscent of Bad Company. It was a throwback to solid 70's rock during a time when that genre of music was out of favor. Band members would go on to perform with other groups including the Black Crowes and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Leave That Thing Alone by Rush

This instrumental from the Counterpoints album is a bit of a continuation of the "Where's My Thing" instrumental from Rush's previous album.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings