The Howling Hex: XI (Drag City)

Being a Neil Michael Hagerty fan has always been exhausting and confusing. Throughout his productive career—in Pussy Galore, Royal Trux, as a solo artist, an author, and with his band of the last few years, The Howling Hex—the man has put out some radically amazing records, only to follow up with total duds. This album is one of the latter. Hagerty seems to have lost control of his band. XI meanders and jams its way to nowhere. I’d probably be really into this album performed live and knee-deep in cheap beer, but this CD doesn’t cut it. (www.myspace.com/thehowlinghex)

By Nate Daly

10/2007