What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, Simpsons Concept Album? Comedic? Cartoonish? Maybe, off the wall? And these assumptions would be correct, especially when hearing the anthemic “¡Ay Caramba! ¡Ay Caramba! ¡Ay Caramba! ¡Ay Caramba!” on Bart. A phrase synonymous with the spiky-haired character in the long-running cartoon. But by far the most fascinating part of The Hog Doctors’ debut album is how human it is.
And yes I know that this is an article on their live EP but it would be impossible to not mention their 2024 album, Simp, a 13-song record with stellar performances and production to match. The Tim Lynch-helmed alternative project portrays these cartoon characters through a lens that is so honest and empathetic it is truly impressive. Contrasting lines like “¡Ay Caramba!” with nuanced realizations like “Nobody / Can take me / Seriously” and “I can’t have any real friends / Just sidekicks or enemies,” Bart is a fantastic song that encompasses the theme of the album. What happens when we see these characters as human?
Now prepped for the road, The Hog Doctors stepped into Cart Music to show us they not only write great songs but they can dazzle us live too! Showcasing the first two songs off Simp, Bart, and Gil respectively, plus a third new song Cheap, the trio shows just how hard they can hit. I urge you to check out their video performance over on Cart Music, but I HEAVILY urge you to check Simp in its entirety. It is easily one of my favorite albums of last year. It is full of songs that will drag you across the spectrum of emotions from wistful introspection to comic joy, only to leave you with happy tears by the album’s end. Well, tears and two thoughts, “Damn, that was some good-ass music” and “Why the fuck am I crying over a Simpsons concept album? wtf”.
Though I may not be a big Simpsons fan, I am a massive Simp fan and I cannot wait for the next offering by Lynch and the team. Maybe a Family Guy album this time? Or American Dad? Whatever cartoon, or non-cartoon-influenced music comes next, I know it will be insightful, entertaining, but most of all kick-ass!
Written by Lando Flakes
