CD Review

A cross between Jack Black and Barenaked Ladies, Jim’s Big Ego’s They’re Everywhere is musical irreverence at its best. It’s easy going and fun, but instead of the Top 40 fluff that takes itself too seriously, JBE gives us pop with wit. The band labels this “Unpop,” yet regardless of terminology, the trio from Boston; Jim Infantino, Jesse Flack and Dan Cantor, are clearly having a good time.

Take “Asshole," and the lyrics “I've looked at it from your side/and I've looked at it from mine/and I know you had a hard time/when you were only 9/ but that was long ago /and know there's just no denying/that you're an asshole.” Simple harmonies and chords give the song a twist of country while the unapologetic lyrics bring it back to an urban declaration of "this is how it is." It's both hysterical and smart. Then “Mixed Tape” goes in another direction with a more 80s-The Specials beat. And not to be thought of as entirely flippant, they throw in “Love What’s Gone,” a gracious song about love and loss that demonstrates the group’s appreciation for their craft.

While they could be written off as another set of knuckleheads ala the Jackass culture, their clear command of the music is a reason to get in on the fun. At the very least, they’re guys you want to buy a round for just to see what happens.