CD Review

If ever there were a band that was walking the line between potential national success and years spent hitting local and regional college venues, it’s Boston’s Spookie Daly Pride. Medicine Chest is the second studio release by a band which has so far made its living through a robust touring schedule and grassroots promotion.

Spookie Daly, the group’s namesake keyboardist and lead vocalist, and the Pride, comprised of percussionist Tommy Diehl, guitarist Pete Whitham and bassist Floyd Kellogg, have carved out a dedicated following in the Northeast’s live music market. Medicine Chest is the band’s second studio effort following their debut Marshmallow Pie.

“Cool Watershed,” the albums opening track, is a harmless enough roots rocker with a decent catchy groove and nice instrumentation, which is a constant on most of the album. Indeed, there are numerous experimental sounds utilized on Medicine Chest in such songs as “The Bumpin’ Uglies Song,” an ode to fornication with our lesser aesthetically-equipped citizens, which would fit in well in the setlist of a band playing the beer garden of a tailgate party.

Less than desirable lyrics are somewhat of a running theme on Medicine Chest with songs like “My Fancy Pants,” “The Boogity Man” and “The Personal Ad Song,” all featuring bland lyrics but notably more enjoyable melodies. Medicine Chest also showcases several strong melodic tracks. “Sooo Delicious!!!” is a Chris Isaak sounding ballad that transforms itself with an aggressive chorus section. “Hope to Hold,” the album’s only true ballad, displays Spookie’s excellent vocal range set to a beautiful melancholy melody. At any time on Medicine Chest, Daly’s voice can sound like anybody from Dr. John to Tom Waits. “Tie-Dyed Tan” features the album’s most original and creative melody, which is bogged down by an uninspired chorus, but still manages to allow for some entertaining moments.

While Spookie Daly Pride appears to be a band teetering on the brink of either being a nationally recognized band or a staple of the Boston’s frat party circuit, Medicine Chest is unfortunately a step in neither direction.