Big Chief: "Mack Avenue Skullgame" Sub Pop Records

Dubbed as an originial soundtrack to a movie (the ultimate release of which is in question), the music on this once-local-Ann Arbor group's recording blends '70s funk with '90s semi-hard core rock - like "Shaft" meets Frank Zappa. Telling a story about the underslde of urban life, it's a far cry, both musically and thematically, from their earlier Black Sabbath sounding work: "Face".

The companion music video "One Born Every Minute" gives the basic storyline for the album and movie. It's a story about Mack (played by drummer Mike Danner), a tough guy pimp, who pays his girls with smack. Mack is a "bad motherfu (shut your mouth). But l'm talking about Mack (then we can dig it)." Sonica works for Mack and dreams of buying some land and moving to the country. But all her money goes for drugs.

Musically, Big Chief takes a big chance with this project. Like the Who's "Tommy," taking on a soundtrack project, either real or imaginary, exposes the group to the criticism of not being able to sustain a consistent musical idea. But with the able assistance of a funky horn section that sounds really cool and deep, plus the rich soulful backing vocals of Detroit's best - Thornetta Davis - they pull the task off well.

The hardest-rocking song is the full-on punk tune "Cop Kisser." Other standouts are "No Free Love On This Street," "My Name is Pimp," the dream-like "If I had a Nickel for Every Dime," and the video cut "One Born Every Minute."

This recording may be hard to find due to some distribution problems. Sub Pop is dumping it's current distributor, Caroline, and is trying to hook up with ADA, Warner-Time Life's independent distribution branch. Hopefully everything will be worked out before you read this review.

Also available in stores is a six-track import extended played (EP) recording entitled "Big Chief Brand Product." Complete your collection of Big Chief today. Look for future Big Chief releases on the Capitol Label.

- By Tom Rule