Music has been a huge part of my life since I was a sophomore in high school. Every time I felt down, I had music to cheer me back up again. Whenever I was feeling good about myself, I had some music to make me smile even wider. The point is I like music. If you speak to anyone of my friends, they can tell you who my favorite band is ... An experimental rock band from New Hope, Pennsylvania called Ween. Ween is know for making funny songs and strange sounding music, but they are also known as very talented musicians. Comprised of Gene and Dean Ween, this band can really play. This talent is shown in the band's fourth album, "Chocolate and Cheese." Today, instead of my normal joke articles, I'm going to go through this album, track by track, and rate each song on a scale from 1 to 5. I'm a little biased, but I'm gonna try to be fair. This is one of the first Ween albums I ever listened too and it really holds a special place in my heart. So here we go. This is Chocolate and Cheese.
Take Me Away (3:01)- 3/5
In my opinion, there was no other song that could have opened this album as well as Take Me Away did. With Gene on vocals and Dean playing guitar, this song can really bring you into the album. The rock music played throughout sounds really nice, and though the lyrics are repetitive, the song does not overstay it's welcome. This is a good song for someone who has never listened to Ween before, because it is a nice sounding, normal song. Definitely a good way to start the album.
Spinal Meningitis (Got Me Down) (2:53)- 3.5/5
Here is where the music starts getting a little weird. The first time I listened to this song, I really hated it. I thought the lyrics were dumb and the voices that were used in the track were scary. But, overtime, I eventually realized how ridiculous the song actually was and how it was actually kind of funny. The chorus of the song, "Smile on mighty Jesus, spinal meningitis got me down," is just so funny to me. The actual music during the chorus is excellent and really shows off how good the band can sound. If you are going to listen to this song, I recommend checking out the live version after. I think it really helped me appreciate the song.
Freedom of '76 (2:51)- 4.5/5
Wow, this is a good song. It is such a calming sound, and Gene really shows off his vocal range. It is amazing how high he can make his voice go. This song can put me in such a relaxed mood when I'm panicking about school or homework. This whole song is a keeper, and I recommend it highly.
I Can't Put My Finger on It (2:48)- 4/5
This song shows some of Ween's silly side. Gene sings the song with some strange accent, and the lyrics are kind of ridiculous. A popular fan theory is that Gene is singing about a gyro he dropped on his shirt in a not so sober state, which makes him question what he spilled. Not only is this a funny song, but Dean shows off his talent on the guitar, making the breaks throughout the song sound incredible.
A Tear for Eddie (4:50)- 4/5
The only instrumental on the album and man, does it sound good. A tribute to Funkadelic and Parliament guitar player Eddie Hazel, the music sounds both nice and psychedelic. If there is ever any doubt that these two can play, just listen to this tune. It'll blow you away.
Roses Are Free (4:35)- 3.5/5
This is a true rock jam. Gene uses a high voice to sing the funny lyrics on this song, like "Eat plenty of lasagna 'til you know that you've had your fill. Resist all the urges that make you want to go out and kill." I guess the second lyric isn't that funny, but it's still a cool line. According to Dean Ween, Gene Ween wrote the song, and Price was a huge inspiration for it. Re-listening to the song, I can definitely hear it. This one is a keeper.
Baby ***** (3:04)- 3.5/5
Gene wrote this song after a relationship that went sour. On future albums, most of the songs about relationships are a little more somber, talking about how the other person will be alright and how the relationship was not a waste of time. This one is pure bitterness. It's clear that Gene feels betrayed in this song. Calling the person he's singing about beautiful on the outside, but then saying that she's an awful person. I wouldn't call this song beautiful, even though the actual music sounds very nice, but it is sort of relatable if you have ever felt betrayed by a girlfriend, boyfriend, or even a friend. I would recommend listening to this one.
Mister, Would You Please Help My Pony? (2:55)- 3/5
This is a nice, silly song. There's really not much to say about it, besides there is a hurt pony, and the owner of the pony is trying to get some help for it. It's not really an intelligent song, but it still sounds good, and is a nice separation to get you in a happier mood after the last song.
Drifter in the Dark (2:32)- 3/5
This is a nice little country-esc song. A country man on the look out for a girl, preferably one who is also a drifter. This is a slow one, but I feel it's the only way that this song can work. It really shows how all over the place this band can be. The genre of music switches throughout this entire album, and Drifter in the Dark is a prime example. If you're listening to this album, don't skip this one.
Voodoo Lady (3:48)- 3.5/5
This song is the exact opposite sound of the previous song. Fast paced and loud music, this one sounds good. Gene spends time singing about the "voodoo lady" which drives him crazy in a good way. This song sounds so good, that you'll be wishing for more. When played live, the song can go up to ten minutes, but, surprisingly, this does not make the song over-stay it's welcome. The point is, listen to this song, even if you don't want to listen to the whole album.
Joppa Road (3:03)- 3/5
This is where my bias really kicks in. The lyrics in this song are insanely repetitive, which really doesn't bother me, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. The song gets a 3/5 for me though because of the music. It's so cheery that I can't help but smile whenever I hear it. If it makes me happy, then I'm good with giving it an above average score.
Candi (4:03)- 2/5
This is the one song on the album that Dean Ween sings and it's pretty lackluster. It's not a really a bad song, but it just doesn't need to be as long as it is. Both the music and the lyrics are repetitive. The song doesn't really seem to have any meaning, but that part isn't really a big deal. If the running time was cut in half, this song would probably be graded a little higher. Honestly though, there are times when I do want to listen to the song and I think it is a good tune, but it falls short compared to the other songs on the album.
Buenas Tardes Amigo (7:07)- 4/5
This song is essentially a story, which is always pretty cool. Gene uses a fake Spanish accent throughout, singing as a Spanish man who's brother was killed. The man is singing to the accused murderer, telling him that what he did was wrong and he was looking for revenge. Then, towards the end of the song, the singer admits that he killed his brother, jealous that everyone liked him better. The singer gets away with murder, which is pretty chilling. I really enjoy this song and the story that is being told. This is one that I often put on repeat.
The HIV Song (2:10)- 2/5
This is a funny song for sure. HIV and AIDS was and still is a big deal, especially in 1994 when this album was released. The song is cheerfully happy and the only words that are spoken are "HIV" and "AIDS." Just like Candi, I like this song, it just isn't on the same level as the other songs on the list.
What Deaner Was Talkin' About (2:00)- 4/5
This is a song about having an anxiety attack. Dean Ween would often have them, and Gene never understood until he had one of his own. In my opinion, this song is written really well, and the music is enjoyable for sure. Throughout the song, Gene repeats the line "I do not think I will ever return again, my friend." Anyone who has ever had an anxiety attack will understand what Gene means by this. Nobody wants to have an anxiety attack and I think this song is a good way of showing it.
Don't **** Where You Eat (3:20)- 3.5/5
This is such an excellent closer. There is sort of a country feel to the music, but the lyrics are pretty funny. A nice PSA from Gene and Dean, warning people that bodily fluids should not go into the mouth. The first time I listened to this song, I wasn't impressed. I thought the idea was funny, but it wasn't doing anything for me. Soon enough though, I couldn't stop listening to the song. This one is for sure on par with the rest of the album.
Album Rating: 3.5/5 (I just took the average of all the scores.)
Quick listen songs (if you can't listen to the whole album)
1. Freedom of '76
2. Buenas Tardes Amigo
3. What Deaner Was Talkin' About
There's my review. Thanks for reading and be sure to check out the album!