East Bay Ray and the Killer Smiles

iTunes Review

As the guitarist for the legendary punk band, Dead Kennedys, East Bay Ray ensured that the band was never a novelty band. His thoughtful, incisive playing that often evoked rockabilly and surf music helped balance the group’s shock-rock tactics. Ray flipped the entire guitar-player handbook upside down, often playing his chords up high on the neck and then soloing way down low. With singer Skip McSkipster of the Winona Ryders leading the charge, Ray brings together an album of material that’s far tamer than the DK’s anarchic spirit, but which still brings plenty of aggression. Ray shines on “It’s Broken,” the surf-abilly of “The Last Time You Failed,” and a playful cover of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s hit “16 Tons.” There’s even heartfelt country-influenced rock for “The Heart Is Something.” Other tunes like “You’re Such a Fake,” “I’m a User” and “Raising the Stakes” bring a classic punk sound back into the hands of a much treasured, and often overlooked, guitarist.