Ike Reilly � Salesmen and Racists 
Label: Universal / Republic
Rating: 
 

Republic Records is really an indy label at heart, they are one of the only major labels that actually ventures outside the "popular" box to find gripping and interesting new music. Ike Reilly is a good case in point; his music is unlike anything else currently riding the charts and record store shelves. To call him eclectic would be a bit of an understatement, he ventures into so many different genres giving each his own personal spin that it's impossible to nail him down. Even going as far as saying that Ike Reilly is what you'd get if you mixed the DNA of Joe Strummer, Elvis Costello, Lou Reed, Beck, Bob Dylan and Sheryl Crow doesn't quite convey what's he's all about. 

In an age where popular music seems to getting progressively mindless, Ike Reilly is a much needed breath of fresh air. He proves that rock music can still be versed in artistic expression instead of being simply a slick commercial product at the same time delivering addictive hooks and melodies. Far beyond your normal prosaic lyrical content, Ike plays the part of beat poet weaving stories interspersed with irreverent subject matters. If you've been waiting for an artist to renew your faith in rock n roll, look no further, Ike Reilly's debut album is a landmark release of the year 2001, quite simply an album that comes out of left field and knocks you on your ass causing you to shout proclamations of gratitude to the heavens for delivering you from the inane humdrum of today's music scene. 

The reader must really experience this CD for themselves, no words can begin to convey what Ike Reilly is all about, so follow the link below to hear clips from this album and then run don't walk to your nearest record store and pick up a copy of "Salesmen and Racists", it will be the best musical investment you've made in years! 

Click Here to Listen to clips from this album.