Back in 1995, when I heard that Mike Knott had formed a new band and been signed to Elektra Records, I just knew that the Aunt Bettys would be the biggest thing to hit the mainstream world since the Beatles. Four years later, the Aunt Bettys are not much more than a memory, broken up. Much like Steve Taylor's short lived band Chagall Guevara, the Aunt Bettys fell victim to label politics and never got the push they deserved. Knott and company also caused quite a stir in the CCM market with the somewhat questionable content found on the band's debut CD. So, with little support from old fans, and almost no support from their record label, Aunt Bettys was a flop.
Ford Supersonic is mostly a collection of demos that the band recorded in preparation for their second studio project, the project that never happened. The band broke up before they signed another record deal, but Marathon Records has done the world a favor and released this fine collection of songs for us all to hear. The songs may be demos, but they sound better than some full blown studio recordings, and they rock too.
Musically, Ford Supersonic is much more mature than the Bettys debut. The band brought in more musical influences and styles, then worked them into classic Knott rock 'n roll. There is more variety. I also enjoyed Andrew Carter's guitar work much more than on the debut. For demos, these songs are amazing, I can only imagine how good they could have been if they were recorded with full financial backing from a record label.
Lyrically, Ford Supersonic is very similar to the debut. There are songs about adultery, drugs, assassinations, and songs that simply make no sense at all. While the songs are mostly harmless "observation type" songs, they are bound to turn off some fans of Mike's CCM work.
Over all, this is an amazing rock album from an amazing band. If you bought the Aunt Bettys debut CD, and you liked it, then you simply must buy this disc. If you don't like being challenged by the lyrics in your albums, and you didn't like the debut CD, then you won't like this one either. It rocks, but it's not candy coated for your protection, so partake carefully.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Doug Van PeltWhat? I thought these guys were signed?! Guess what? They got dropped! They're history! Here's a collection of over a dozen demos from the planned-but-never-realized second album, plus a few live songs. You get a slightly re-worked version of this writer's favorite Mike Knott song of all time - "Rock Stars On H" (No, it's not an endorsement of heroin, but just the opposite); and, best of all,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Josh SpencerOne of the true alternative underground's most prolific music-makers, Michael Knott never stops. He's a music machine, a factory of fun, a full-on assembly line of top-notch rock 'n roll. Add the chops-to-make-veins-pop of Andrew Carter, Chuck Cummings, and Brian Doidge, and the stereo is a thumpin'. Thank Jeff Elbel and his little label that could (Marathon Records) for releasing these demos…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinThe Aunt Bettys, one of rock & roll's best kept secrets, had a surprisingly short shelf-life given the dizzying excellence and energy of their debut, one of this decade's best albums. Amidst much rejoicing by fans of the band, Marathon Records, home of Farewell to Juliet among others, has gratefully gathered together an album of unreleased Aunt Bettys tracks and demos. Ford Supersonic begins…Similar sounding releases
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