Reviews:

While the current Bush administration hasn't driven rockers to rage against the machine in the way that, say, Reagan's reign did, a few acrimonious artists have managed to flourish in today's oppressive environment. A freakish, occasionally unlistenable, yet thoroughly entertaining performer, Chicago auteur Bobby Conn falls into that category; he single-handedly represents everything that W. fears, dredging up bizarre, raunchy songs about conservative morons, suicidal queers, debaucherous Christians and devil-worshipping politicians.

There's no sacred cow on Live Classics Vol. 1. Conn screams "God is on our side" on the ironic "We Come in Peace," fellow Gypsy Monica BouBou piercing the sarcasm with percussive slaps on her electric violin. Heavy-handed guitarist Sledd stands front and center on "Angels," in which a high school party devolves into a homosexual blame-game (Conn ultimately points the finger at conservatives who wish to outlaw gay activities), while the entire band skronks on "Baby Man" and "Never Get Ahead." Armed with Conn's angry, distinctive falsetto, the Glass Gypsies could be the alter ego of gender-bending act Antony and the Johnsons, albeit with thorns instead of tender petals.