La Cucaracha by Ween (CD, Oct-2007, Rounder Select)

First of all, let me tell you that I am a huge Ween fan. They are my favorite contemporary band and the best ever to hear live. I love all of their stuff, even the insane/bizarre Pod,Guava,Satan way too much drugs songs that even you can't listen to without a flashback. They are all I have on my MP3 player and my license plates are LMLYP. I have been used to hearing an album and not quite getting all the songs right away. But sh!t mang, we have been waiting so long for something truly new and mind blowing that I think I got a little over anxious, expected perfection with this one. To hear Dean talk about this one, you would think jesus helped mix it. Sorry to say it didn't quite measure up to my expectations. There are however some songs on it that will be played at the shows for years to come and become automatic classics like 'With My Own Bare Hands, Learnin' to Love (lyrics straight from a horse racing pamphlet), Blue Balloon and my favorite, Woman and Man'. Gone for the moment are the songs about break-ups, mushrooms and fukcing sh!t up, replaced by family, responsibility, and adulthood ie. 'Lullaby, Sweetheart and Your Party'. And that is not to mention 'Friends' which I have no idea where it came from....I actually like it if no one is there next to me. Reminds me of that joke - How is a fat chick like a scooter? Fun to ride but I don't want my friends to see me on one. I don't want to criticize the album as it is a work of art by some people I really like and respect and they worked long and hard on it. But as far as a Ween grouping of songs, I have heard better. If you love or even really like Ween, you will have already bought or listened to this album. I do recommend it over all. If however you are just getting in to Ween and you are looking for something to buy, try White Pepper, 12 Country Greats, The Mollusk or Chocolate and Cheese first. Better yet enjoy your favorite libation, "tobacco" or pharmaceutical and go see them live. I hope as time goes by I end up loving this work in it's entirety. One thing is for sure 'Woman and Man' will be one of those long songs like Voodoo that gets the whole crowd dancing with it's primal addicting Talking Heads, James Brown, Santanaesque rhythm and fat as hell guitar solo. Ok, I talked myself in to buying another copy. Maybe owning two will make it sound a little better. Stay Brown!

Exploring reggae, pop, dance, country and metal, La Cucaracha comes across more as a satire/comedy album than a Ween masterpiece. There are a couple brilliant exceptions (Blue Balloon, Friends)that are the Ween I know and love but for the most part I was a little disappointed. Now, don't get me wrong, this is a good album...just not as good as their previous works. 4 Stars.

"Your Party" is a instant hit !!!! Me and the wife had a great time at your party !!!! thanx WEEN for being so creative !!!! ) The Fruit man is awesome , and Blue balloon is great too.

loved the variety!!!out of the box somethin different and exciting from ween!!!
you will love it!from blue balloon to your party,a good time.
ween truly are masters of their craft and style!

What is there not to love about Ween? This cd is fantastic and if your a Ween fan, definately..you should buy this album.