After four years out to pasture, the Ass Ponys re-emerge with a new album and label, but with the same ol' down-home, indie-angled rock that fans have come to expect. Some Stupid with a Flare Gun--this Cincinnati-based band's fifth album in 11 years--doesn't stray far from its predecessors, relying heavily on the Ass Ponys' particular brand of tongue-in-cheek twang, especially on the tracks "Pretty As You Please" and "Magnus." However, they do dare stylistic departures; "X-tra Nipple" bubbles with Ramones-like verve. The album, whose title is a reference to Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water," brims with morbid, nostalgic ballads, peculiarly wrought characters, and religious imagery. Strong--and often lush--musical performances by Bill Alletzhauser, Randy Cheek, and Dave Morrison make Some Stupid pure aural joy; Chuck Cleaver's gritty and sweet vocals and lyrical magic keep you from getting too comfortable. Judging by the yarns Cleaver spins, one might believe that his childhood bedtime stories were written by Flannery O'Connor. --Cintra Pollack
