40FT. RINGO – Funny Thing

40Ft. Ringo. Where does that name come from? And why don’t they spell it out, as in “foot?” Not that it matters; the name has a definite “ring” to it. Anyway, 40Ft. Ringo’s debut release called Funny Thing is just a rare CD. Why? Because it’s good all the way through, song after song. No dead spots, no forays into something they shouldn’t try — just great rock and roll from song 1-13.

The band is comprised of two ex-Trixter members, Steve Brown and PJ Farley. But don’t mistake this for a hair band. Number one, they cut their hair. But also, their sound is playful, melodic rock and roll, akin to the Marvelous 3 and Cheap Trick. No screams, just good music. Brown handles the vocals here, but played guitar in Trixter, and as soon as you hear his voice you’ll know why Trixter had such great harmonies. The guy can sing.

“Anyway,” is the first song on the disk. Besides using the word “yeah,” throughout the chorus, the words really carry the song along. “We’re going to that place where lost souls get together, the heroes, freaks & geeks & vampires all will be there.” It’s catchy, funny, and the chorus offers the line, “Yeah, how I love you when you’re naked.” Actually, just the first vocal lines of the song pull you in; it’s downhill from there.

The next song, “Wired,” showcases a more throaty than smooth vocal line, but the voice is still strong. It is almost ridiculous how well written the chorus is here. In a sense, it will remind you of some of the new bands, like Good Charlotte and New Found Glory, but only in the spirit of the song. These guys are more mature and skilled than those bands, and it shows.

“Big Fat Smile” has a deep bass line that drives the song. Their sing-along “na na na na na na” after the guitar solo is addictive as well. Plus, they make fun of Britney Spears: “My, my a Britney Spear, a sweet, sweet song with her snow cones on.” As stated before, Funny Thing IS a funny CD.

You’ll hear a Bon Jovi tinge on the song, “Be My Fix.” This is one of the few songs where they lean towards sadness instead of humor. And they do it well. This is just another well-constructed tune.

You’ll have to search for a reason not to like this CD. Songs like “Anti-Zero,” “Fanatic,” “A Freak Like You,” and “Miss You Blue,” are all excellent rock songs. You’ll remember them after hearing them once or twice, and you’ll be singing along.

The one spot where they miss, just a little, is the song “Origami Mommy.” This song tells a tale of a broken home, about a mother that is folded up inside so many times she is just a crumpled version of her true self. It’s sappy, and doesn’t fit the CD.

“Tough,” is the last song on the CD, a poignant ballad that explains, “I’m as tough as nails, but not as tough as you.” They hit the mark here. The acoustic guitar is simple, the lyrics are spare, and the vocals are subdued. This could easily be a radio hit.

40Ft. Ringo just play good rock and roll. They remind you of a lot of other bands, but they own their own sound, if that’s possible. It’s a funny thing …