"Pin Your Spin" review
www.netrhythms.co.uk - Autumn 2004

Erstwhile member of the Bonnie Raitt Band, John Cleary is an artist of supreme quality in his own rite and Pin Your Spin is an excellent introduction to his music and that of the Absolute Monster Gentlemen. The title track opens what can only be described as the funkiest album that I have heard in some time. It has heavy bass as its spine and it has an almost sleazy feel as it oozes over you. Agent 00 Funk demands that you move to it. There are some Latin touches in the introduction of this slow grinder.

Oh No No No is more sophisticated than the opening two but, again, has that Latin feel although the chorus is all New Orleans. There's some more strong bass on Ain't Nuttin Nice but it's the crashing drums that are to the fore on this thumping instrumental. The piano also gets a good going over as the song reaches a cacophony of sound by the end.

Smile In A While is reminiscent of Benny & The Jets in its execution with piano and bass pounding. I've not yet mentioned Cleary's voice so far but this is not deliberate. He has a sweet and sour tone to his vocal that is just so easy to listen to. More funky R&B on Doin Bad Feelin Good although this one doesn't seem to go anywhere. There's more direction on Best Ain't Good Enuff. This is a cappella, simple and well sung.

The title says it all on Funky Munky Biznis, a festival of funk with gritty vocals and great guitar fills. Is It Any Wonder is blues influenced and its slow, soulful delivery is very relaxing. Back to the funk again with Got To Be More Careful and this grooves along very nicely, thank you very much. The Monster Gentlemen are a tight band, shown perfectly on Caught Red Handed, which is much in the same vein as the rest of the album.

Zulu Strut finishes off the album but there's more of a South American feel to this than the suggested African. It's a fun way to finish and showcases Cleary's excellent piano work. Special mention has to go to producer John Porter and if you want to put your backbone out then add this to your collection.

-David Blue