Geeks need a soundtrack, and as discussed many times before – nerdcore is generally accepted as that soundtrack. While there are many facets to that soundtrack, some artists stand out – and some of those artists that stand out sometimes combine forces like the Wonder Twins to bring us nerdcore super-groups.
The Grammar Club is a nerdcore super-group that never tires of making great music, shown by the heart and soul they put into it. Beefy and Shael Riley team up once again for this latest release, a tribute to breakups, dance anthems & unemployment.
So what do you get when you combine the Crown Prince of nerdcore with the resident crooner of nerdcore – again? You get The Grammar Club, and you get yet another excellent collection of music that is never bland and always entertaining. Not too give too much away in the opening here, but clearly I enjoyed this album. For me, The Grammar Club is one of the best outputs of the current nerdcore genre of music, combining fresh musical elements with original lyrics and a constant tongue in cheek lyrical attitude that it’s hard to shake a proverbial stick at. If you don’t know, The Grammar Club is a collection of nerdcore artists, primarily Beefy (crown prince) and Shael Riley (crooner.)
While their first release seemed more like an EP than a full album, with ten full tracks MC Horse Rides Again! ups the ante as far as content and quality. It also ups the ante when it comes to a bit of inappropriate language, so keep that in mind when listening. Not exactly for the kiddies. Everything seems tighter, from composition to the rhymes from Beefy. That might have something to do with the super-team of producers; Shael Riley, Beefy, Ailsean, Mustin, Jon Titterington, C64, Adam!, Ricky Henry, Ty Guenley, and several varieties of Dan Wilkes. Most of those “producers” also played live instruments on the album. You’ll have to view the linear notes to find out whom on which track. Not bad with a production value of zero dollars. Either way, Shael agrees that this album is not the last album.
“I’m not sure I could rightly point to a single difference and say it’s the biggest, but two key differences, I think, are a move away from hook-driven pop to more sophisticated instrumentals, and a tonal shift in lyrics. MC Horse Rides Again! features lyrics that are more overtly dark, culturally critical and subversive than Bremelanotide’s.”
Those two key difference though, set this album apart from the last one and against similar music in the genre, of which I feel there is none. While both Beefy (Beef Thompson) and Shael Riley have independent projects separate from The Grammar Club, this particular collaboration certainly sets them apart from the crowd. There is a particular unique imaginative hook to the music and composition that is hard to compare. When I’m listening to The Grammar Club, I can’t help but think through my massive music library as to what compares. Besides their solo efforts, nothing carries the same elements of musical and lyrical entertainment.
The album kicks off with the track “Suck My Wallet,” a rousing tune focusing on the financial difficulties of maintaining a ‘cultural’ relationship. It’s a great way to kick off a new album, that is, having Kabuto the Python singing a guest verse. The album switches tone with “Breaking Up With Bret.” This is probably my favorite song on the album. I make this comparison in my reviews sometimes, but it definitely has a Ben Folds feel to it, with the piano and Shael’s vocals crafting a musical story. The Beefy raps only make it that much better. From there the album spins into a bit of “club” hip/hop with “Super Girls and Ghosts” and “Dance, You Fuckers,” two fast paced tracks to keep the album moving along.
Beefy get a chance to shine (and talk about his formative girth) on the track “A Team by Myself.” This is not an A-Team reference. Then of course there is the song “Unemployment” in which Beefy mentions the article in which I review his last solo album, With Sprinkles. First I was on an album cover, now this – I feel so honored. The rest of the tracks, not that they are forgettable – they aren’t – but I don’t feel the need to cover each one. These tracks stood out to me as the best ones.
What you are getting with The Grammar Club, and one of the things I like best about them is the honesty. Whether it’s in Beefy’s raps or with Shael’s vocals, the lyrics seem to be culled directly from their lives – something a geek like me can associate with. Perhaps that’s why the nerdcore genre of music has been so appealing to me and many like me. However, just like any other genre of music there is the good and there is the bad. Thankfully, this is the good. Does it help that the album is available for free? Sure, that helps.
WIRED The Grammar Club has secured a very unique niche in the nerdcore genre with their original hooks, live instruments & quirky true to life lyrics. A very complete & entertaining album.
TIRED Fans of the band might be surprised by the slightly darker tone to some of the songs.
Rating: 
Get MC Horse Rides Again! for free, direct – right here. If you don’t like it, delete it. If you like it, spread the word and share with your friends.
