STEVE POLTZ > Traveling, Unraveling

Padre-loving Poltz was the frontman for those riotous Rugburns who recorded the Christmas song of all time (“I Hate F@#%in’ Christmas”) and he also co-wrote Jewel’s biggie. For the last several years, Poltz has been that freaky folkie, making people laugh and cry equally, but this time he’s embellished by a band that’s not the Rugburns.

Label: 98 Pounder
[Rating: 4 STARS]

Padre-loving Poltz was the frontman for those riotous Rugburns who recorded the Christmas song of all time (“I Hate F@#%in’ Christmas”) and he also co-wrote Jewel’s biggie. For the last several years, Poltz has been that freaky folkie, making people laugh and cry equally, but this time he’s embellished by a band that’s not the Rugburns. The innocent “I Think She Likes Me” and the ever-clever “Stay Away A Little Closer” will make you long for the short-lived fun part of love-not the long goodbye phase which accounts for 75 percent of all songs; while “Nickel,” a tale of love lost with Miss Take, is sad enough to make Karl Rove cry, well, maybe momentarily smirk. And “What Would Ghandi Do?” explores anger management issues such as road rage from behind, which is known to have three causes-drunk, blowjob or cell phone. The rocker “Street Fighter’s Face” is another reason why we should’ve left Iraq yesterday. But this is just half the story-imagine Traveling twice as long. Part two, Unraveling, is the “cuddly companion” only available at the live shows. The first song “Bombs” cuts through the diplomatic bullshit, “We’re dropping bombs on poor people.” There are more witty love songs, head shaking weirdness like “The Ballad of Chuck,” but the last one, “Every Hour Every Day,” is Poltz’s world view as well as swell advice: Enjoy now-it’s all we’ve got. Take a deep breath, relax and take your Poltz: Both get better every time you play them, and he’s even better live.