Teenage Torture?

I first read about Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers where I discover a lot of new music, Bust magazine. It’s a hip, art, crafts, and beauty magazine for those of us who still think feminism has value, but also like to wear lipstick and cute outfits. The last issue had a review of Ray’s new album Teenage and Torture which was released earlier this month.  When I went to check out their website and buy the album, I discovered that not only were they from Brooklyn, but also that they were playing that Friday at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg.  But who could I drag to a concert on short notice to see a relatively obscure indie band?  And Shilpa Ray? She’s raw, edgy, and loud rock ‘n roll. I must admit, it’s not what most of my thirty and forty-something pals listen to these days.

Phyllis of course.  Yes, my friend Phyllis. She’s gone to see bands she’s never heard of before with me, no matter how obscure. If she’s available, she’s up for a live show. Phyliss answered my text about Shilpa Ray.  She was in. 

“Where’s the show?” she texted.  “And who are we going to see?” 

Shilpa Ray has been around the New York scene for a while. First playing solo then with her band Beat The Devil.  Teenage and Torture is Ray's second album with The Happy Hookers.  Her bluesy and edgy voice has been compared to early Debbie Harry, Chrissie Hynde and Patti Smith.  I think Ray’s voice is a little rougher, and has that ‘I’ve been there’ feeling. Perhaps if blues legend Etta James sang rock?  Her Happy Hookers, it should be noted, are three guys in flannel shirts with beards or long hair.  They include Nick Hundley (Bass), Andrew Bailey (Guitar), John Adamski (Drums).  Ray plays the harmonium, which looks like a keyboard with a bellows and sounds a bit like an accordion.  Harmoniums apparently reached their height of popularity in churches during the late 19th and 20th centuries and are used in classical Indian music. Ray rocks out on the harmonium and it adds something different to their sound and the live show. 

Ray and the Happy Hookers toured last year with Nick Cave's band, Grinderman. Cave is a legend in the indie/post-punk music scene. He's known for fronting The Birthday Party and Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds in the 1980's and '90's. He defies categorization. Ray is part of this indie music heritage, sounding like a garage band of the 1990's, but with a beat and some thoughtful lyrics.

Ray’s music is not for the faint-hearted. Loud and full of raw energy, Ray pulls you in, making you want to howl right along with her. The Village Voice said something about “a dog biting an electric fence” in a recent review. But that sounds too painful.  There’s melody here. While not everyone would call the songs catchy, they are addictive. I keep coming back to the album and listening again and again.  Her lyrics alternately angry, emotional, and even humorous. In “Stick it to the Woman” she’s a sales clerk faced with an annoying customer.  If you’ve been there, those crappy jobs, those bad relationships, then these songs are a cathartic release. Yet they remind us to keep ourselves together.  It’s actually a complex blend, because just being angry doesn’t always help.

I had a tough time coming up with a recommendation for when to listen to Shilpa Ray.  I often mention running or working out, or something for those unpleasant or annoying tasks like cleaning the bathroom.  Teenage and Torture sounds great on headphones, if you have that kind of time. Possibly for screaming along in the car? I don’t own a car these days so can’t confirm, but I imagine these tunes could help you get through some traffic. Of course, Ray and her Happy Hookers are fantastic live. Phyllis and I can attest.  

After several listens to the album, I reflected on the title. Teenage and Torture. Yes, being a teenager is a lot like torture for both teenagers and parents.  I don’t have kids, but a few of my very close friends do.  And I know the truth. It’s not always wonderful being a parent.  Teenagers are the worst. Wouldn’t it be great to torture them a bit?  Think about it.  If you have young teens they are probably listening to Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and maybe some Justin Bieber? Or they’re into obscure gangsta rap? Or pop-rock bands like Nickelback. Let’s face it, whatever it is you probably don’t like it much. Maybe this is your chance for a little teenage torture? Play it loud, it sounds better.