Greatest Hits

Another “greatest hits” compilation from a man with over 30 CD releases. For the unitiated: Wesley Willis died this year of leukemia. A 300 lb clinically “mentally ill” man living in the street, he was given one of those cheesy “one man band” Casio type organs and shortly thereafter “discovered” by Jello Biafra for his simple songs that are altogether naive, bizarre, brutal, honest and sweet at the same time. Willis’ music is formulaic: usually following one or two musical soundbeds that either “rock” fast or faster, with programmed drum fills and instrumentation. Willis vocalizes over the music, in his offkey somewhat deadpan (but certainly crazy) vocal delivery, singing simple lyrics ranging from personal experiences to singing about rock stars, fast food, and movie stars (including movie stars turned California governors). Every song ends with an “advertisement” of sorts, apparently Willis’ attempt at his dream to do corporate advertising professionally. The effect is surreal, sure crowd pleasers. Wesley Willis live performances had a twisted energy unmatched by any. So it goes.

Play any, but avoid tracks with brutal honest FCC violations as follows:

FCCs: 1,4,6,7,8,12,13,17,19,20,23

2) Viper room, song about famous hipster hangout in LA
5) giving us the low-down on how disgusting and unhealthy burger king/fast food burgers are
10) rock band does music here, good rock
11) different production, feel, cool and interesting, great reverby vocal hook/chorus
14) mass murderer refs (chuckie)
15) chorus/title sung w/ bizarre pitch change
16) my mother smokes crack rocks
18) minor toned, bizarre
21) upbeat
22) who is this?
24) cool production
25) it’s the end- outro “extra track” is brief, keep