True to form, this album dives headlong into the fun. "We think that you will dig this," intones frontman Chris Wiser on "Blame It On The Monkey," the opening salvo in this grinning slacker attack on all things of the responsible nine-to-five daily grind. "Cadillac Lady" narrates a frustrating ordeal of facing the back bumper of a certain plodding road hazard encountered by many unfortunate motorists. Its uptempo beat is a perfect match for the impatience expressed in the lyrics.

"Every Drunkard Has His Day" may be the catchiest number on the CD, but they're all pretty darn catchy. It's definitely intended for an adults-only audience. This track would be a fun, excellent fit karaoke in any number of smoky bars. "Jesus Christ Super Center" gets a little conroversial as well.. The song may offend some Christian listeners, althought it's a thought-provoking criticism leveled at religious institutions where glitz is more emphasized than God. It also might be a criticism of the commodification of Christ in some retail outlets.

"Compose Myself A Letter" goes back into the territory of goofy fun, as does "Mighty Mississippi," a rolling meditation on the New Orleans' enduring fun-loving side and the Big Easy's apparently boundless capacity to inspire artists of all stripes.

"Parachute Pants" takes the prize for funkiest track on the album, calling up echoes of Rick James' superfreaky stylings even as it advocates reviving the billowy trousers favored by the James-influenced rapper Hammer. I guess it's time haul my pair out of the closet. Maybe.

"Man Without A Home" shows the band's roots in reggae and is easily the most serious song on Return of Dos Machos! but "Big Brown Eyes" is simpy great fun. While it is sweet and maybe a bit on the lovey-dovey side, the guest guitar work by Little Feat multi-instumentalist Fred Tackett is enjoyable and adds a little spice.

"Wichita" (almost) wraps up the album on a "thump-thump" note that reminded me a bit of Electric Light Orchestra, but harder and less urgent. These dos machos know how to have fun and put a smile on your face. Speaking of smiles, a spacy hidden track awaits the patient listener. Just discover it yourself, for it most likely will bodysnatch your blues and replace them with a pickled grin, earthling.    

-Adam Scott
www.normantranscript.com