Rating: NNNN
It’s been 20 years since the Lowest of the Low released Shakespeare My Butt, yet the album still gets you in the gut and takes you back to a Toronto you may have lived in or may never have seen.
[rssbreak]
Ron Hawkins and co.’s marriage of punk, rock and folk with unpretentious lyrics about epic love affairs, poverty and history hints at Elvis Costello and Billy Bragg. Tellingly, the Weakerthans’ John K. Samson is a fan.
Independently recorded at a time when that was rare, Shakespeare My Butt got rotation on commercial radio and eventually went gold. It’s 17 songs and an hour long, yet invites repeat listening. This remastered reissue also includes a booklet of essays and a 45-minute documentary.
Top track: Rosy And Grey
The Lowest of the Low play two sold-out shows at Lee’s Palace Friday and Saturday (December 3 and 4).
