CD Review

For those in the situation of picking an album that will earn a good vibe at a party, while attracting the "who is this?" nod, you might want to check out Mike Doughty’s work. The former Soul Coughing frontman’s music is universally low-fi, honing the sounds of Ben Harper and Jack Johnson at their raw end, while adding a breath of indie rock credibility.

Having recently signed to Dave Matthew’s ATO records, and in anticipation of his 2005 full length debut, Doughty has re-released his first two solo albums – Skittish and Rockity Roll. Recorded in one day in 1996 and released in 2000 following Soul Coughing’s breakup, Skittish marks the debut of Doughty’s self described "small rock." Utilizing his guitar as a percussion and his smoky/reggae tinged voice as a lead instrument, Doughty breathes humanity into songs that appear so simple on the surface, yet read deeper within their shaky framework.

Where Doughty was unable to do find room for these twelve songs within Soul Coughing, Skittish makes one wonder how these songs could have possibly been ignored. "No Peace Los Angeles" displays Doughty’s aptitude for big ballads, while songs like "Looks" and "Where Have You Gone?" dip in the artist’s affinity for straight forward new-wave, never steering into "woe is me" singer/songwriter waters. After one listen, it's no surprise that Skittish sold 25,000 copies without record label support.

Rockity Roll, Doughty’s six song 2003 EP, builds upon the low-fi foundation of Skittish, but with a richer flavor. Produced by Pat Dillett (They Might Be Giants, David Byrne), Rockity Roll incorporates various sythn sounds and electronic drumbeats, making this one man band sound uniquely three piece.

"40 Grand In The Hole" bravely speaks of finding love within a world of drug and tax debts, while revisiting Doughty’s troubled past. Clever pop songs like "Ossining," "27 Jennifers," and the bonus track "Move On" - pulled from Doughty’s stellar 2004 Bonnaroo Music Festival appearance - only help make Rockity Roll an exciting precursor to his new studio album. While never tugging too hard at a chorus or rhyme to cheapen the song, Doughty makes his minimalist "small rock" a keeper for the Jack Johnson/Ben Harper intolerant.