Hokus Pick

Item: The B-Sides
Author: Roger Appelinski

The B-Sides

(1997)

Reviewed by Roger Appelinski

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Label Freedom RecordsThe LighthouseUnsorted 1998

alternative rock pop rock power pop ska

The best way I can describe The B-Sides is to call it "raw Hokus Pick." By "raw," I mean that this is the first time the Hokus foursome has had a real chance to "be themselves" on an album. Included are some live tracks, remakes of previously released material, and several songs that never would have made it on a "more serious" album.

These guys are goofy, zany, and generally out of control. This comes across very well in songs like "Felize Navidad" and "Learn To Laugh." I'd love to tell you more about "Learn To Laugh," but I'd probably spoil the punch line for you. Suffice it to say that I had trouble stopping laughing when I heard this the first time. I still get a huge laugh out of it (but, in case you still can't figure out what makes it so funny after hearing the song - it was performed live when Hokus Pick opened on Michael W. Smith's tour). They also include a passable straightforward remake of Petra's "Adonai."

My only criticism with the project is with the way the songs were ordered. The hysterical "Learn To Laugh" is followed by the slow, pondering, and more serious "Bird Song Of Freedom," which then leads to a remake of the classic "Train In Vain (Stand By Me)." Granted, this is a very minor trouble spot, but it's somewhat distracting to keep jumping all over the place.

I love this project. It's something to listen to with your tongue firmly inserted in your cheek. So, if you're not looking for something oozing with spiritual impact, this might just work for you.