Die Trying:

   Might as well begin by dropping a truckload of names: KISS, Devo...shall I just stop there at that perplexing crossroad? For it is there that you will find Jesters Of Destiny and their 1986 album FUN AT THE FUNERAL. Chocked with insanely good hooks, pop rock and roll over the rainbow...plus some tasteful keyboard flourishes. This would all be hoo-dee-hoo if it were not for this groups knack for penning some ultra-catchy melodies and superb pop hooks. The hard rock riffs are present too; always sticking out with a slightly jokey appeal...and therein lies the rub: it's no joke. This is masterfully crafted new wave hard rock (notice that there was no slash in between those two genres...simply because the Jesters Of Destiny wiped out that conundrum when they produced this excellent set of songs). Just listen to the opening track, one of my favorite songs of all time, "Digging That Grave", a monsterous slab of simple rocking guitar, swanky keyboard lines, and clever lyrics that rip through your soul! Or how about "Happy Times"...one of the most perfect 80's songs that sums it all up in a classic style...I could see this being featured on any John Hughes movies in my head. In short, Jester Of Destiny should have been huge...but they were criminally overlooked and underheard, (and maybe misunderstood) forever.

Alternative metal, hard rock, new wave, say hello to the new best unheard album that will serve it's residence in the clogged space between your ears...you know...where all that grey matter has been seeping out lately.

PLEASE AND THANK YOU

Tracks 1-11 are the original album.

Tracks 12-18 are bonus cuts.

The Jesters Of Destiny cover of Sabbath's "Electric Funeral" was posted here.

By the way, if you like this album (and how could ANY fan of new wave and/or hard rock not?) then I'd like to point you to an interesting write up from one of the band members on this site, which is run by the label that reissued this stellar collection a few years ago (which it seems, at this point in time, has gone out of print).