Last week, I mentioned my dislike of earnest acoustic performances by those without talent. I, however, do appreciate pedestrian plucking when the artist's tone or lyric is informed by a strong sense of humor. Oftimes, these comedic songs, performed with just a small scattering of friends and onlookers gathered 'round the porch, are spirited along with Messrs. Beam, Daniel, and Brooks assisting either the performer, the audience, or--as is usually the case--both, making the bad and vulgar jokes funnier than they would be otherwise. I've observed many of these at the Fair and at other communal gatherings over the years, but rarely have I heard a recording with the same genial, casual, "it's-okay-if-I'm-off-key-'cause-it's-all-in-fun" experience.
Silas Bankhead's "Cougar," however, accurately replicates that type of experience. The song's about an older woman who preys on young men--a cougar. It may not have the funky bassline or slick production values of Hall & Oates' "Maneater," but it's lyrics are more descriptive; it might not have the insight of Ronnie McDowell's "Older Women," but it's wittier; it may not have the tight, beautiful harmonies of the Eagles' "Witch-ay Woman," but it's, uh, less misogynistic. In fact, speaking of the harmonies, "Cougar" happens to be the only song I've ever heard whose vocals seemed inspired by Mark Wahlberg's and John C. Reilly's performance of "Feel the Heat" in the movie Boogie Nights. More than those aspects, though, is Bankhead's carefree and affable attitude that lend "Cougar" it's inescapable charm. It'll get its teeth around you.
You can listen to "Cougar" here.
You can--and should--view the Silas Bankhead story here:
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