What is it in the UK psyche that finds comedy rock so amusing? As a population we revel in our supposedly sophisticated humour - scoffing at Americans (no irony) and Europeans (too trashy) while priding ourselves with inventing the likes of 'Fawlty Towers', 'Porridge' and 'Terry and June'.
But did America ever suffer Benny Hill's 'Ernie The Milkmen'? Do Germans perform that funny dance to 'The Birdie Song' at weddings? Will 'The Fast Food Song' be a hit in gastro-proud France? Probably not.
That America has identified an opening in this market, and is sending their comedy rock over here, only makes a bad situation worse. We've already suffered the likes of Limp Bizkit and Blink 182... and now this. With two top ten hits under their belts - both already staples of alternative nightspots for the foreseeable future - Electric Six see fit to inflict a whole album of their hilarious songs on a compliant British audience. They have such side-splitting titles as 'Electric Demons In Love', 'Naked Pictures (Of Your Mother)' and 'Improper Dancing'. Can there be any greater evidence of the evils of globalisation?
Had they imploded in some bizarre gardening accident following the release of 'Danger! High Voltage' all would be forgiven. That single still sounds classic and retains the power to get Aunt Peggy off her seat at the wedding reception. It deserves four stars on it's own.
However, the rest appears to be have been cobbled together in a matter of hours. Pseudo-lounge lizard Dick Valentine must be in possession of some ancient computer consisting of two generic buttons marked 'ROCK and 'DISCO'. With minimal effort he can churn out such witless songs as 'Gay Bar' (the second best song here) and 'I'm The Bomb' while the UK public, eager for their fix of musical mirth, lap it up.
And don't expect any escape for the summer. Sixty per cent of the band recently departed only for three demon heads to grow hydra-like in their place. Clearly, Electric Six is a beast that will not die easily. At least TFI Friday is no longer on the TV. Chris Evans would love this band.
