Short Reviews [ Doctor Dunbar's Medicine Band - 2005 - "DDMB" ]

This is not Progressive Rock. It is regressive Rock, or at least very Retro-Rock. Doctor Dunbar's Medicine Band is a short album, consisting of 11 tracks, clocking in at 42 minutes. The sound is very late '60s (organ, guitar, drums & bass), think The Who meets Grateful Dead meets garage band. There is very little polish to the production, giving the album a fairly raw and immediate sound. Some of the melodies are catchy, all done if a straight ahead 4/4 beat (except I Wanna Party, in 3/4). Some are fairly forgettable. Happy Go Lucky has a driving beat and vocal styling that reminds me of Radar Love by Golden Earring until the chorus comes in. Rock Your World does not rock my world, but does have a nice bit of B3 organ solo before it closes out the album. Recommendation: If you're looking for Prog, look elsewhere. If you are into the retro-scene and a stripped down garage band production style, this album may be for you.

Ken Whestphal: September 15, 2002