Polkaholics - Polkas on Guitar

All Music Guide

The second album from this Chicago trio is much like their 1999 debut The Polkaholics. That album showcased their preference for polka classics rearranged in Polkaholics' rousing rock and punk style with a few more obscure ditties thrown in for good measure. On Polkas on Guitar, it are their original pieces that steal the show, particularly those of guitarist/vocalist Don Hedeker whose "Polkas on Guitar," "Polka Enemy 1," and "Sound (Of The) Beer Garden Polka" launch this album in a rocking style unheard of in the realm of polka music. Of all the foremost polka-rock bands (Brave Combo, Polkacide, and the Shanes), none approach the utter and nonstop frenzied energy of this Windy City bunch. In spite of their punk rock application of polka music, novelty music this isn't. It's apparent the Polkaholics are well-versed in polka, respective of it's history, melody, and audience as well. "Try it You'll Like It" is another furious piece resembling Life in the Foodchain and Amerika-period Toni...o minus the expletives imploring the listener to give this besmirched genre an honest and impartial listen, for crying out loud. The mid-'80s polka-rock movement didn't quite take hold nor did it's subsequent mainstream flirtation, but if it does indeed bear significant fruit in early 21st century, this band and their two albums to date will, no doubt, be regarded as trailblazers in the field. - Dave Sleger, All Music Guide Read more Less