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At the end of his acoustic version of “Seashell Sally” on the CD Live in Nash-Vegas, alterna-pioneer Michael Knott proclaims, “That’s off Dogfish Jones—you can’t buy that anywhere!” Well, Homeric rock opera fans, now you can, thanks to a painstakingly faithful reissue by Retroactive Records.

Knott’s timeless maritime characters Dogfish Jones, Barnacle Bob, Mercy Maid, and, yes, Seashell Sally are all dusted off and digitally remastered on this limited edition Retroactive reissue. With accurate packaging (including a nice excerpt from Mark Allan Powell’s Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music about Knott and Dogfish Jones) and enhanced audio clarity, the newly restored Dogfish Jones is no half-hearted, landlubberly knock-off, as some Knott reissues have been (most of the M8 efforts come to mind…especially the tragically misguided reanimation of Wakin’ Up The Dead).

Repeated play-and-flips between the original 1998 Light Records Dogfish Jones release and the reissue reveal no glaring discrepancies, except that (aside from a slight airy hiss on “Greensea Island”) the 2005 version sounds much more pleasing: Knott’s intricately intertwined, layered vocals, subversive screams, powerful guitars and shimmering acoustic additions are much more “up front” in the new mix. Gene Eugene’s fantastic “B-movie” B-3 organ parts take center stage, as well, which is justifiable, since Knott has cited Eugene as perhaps the element that makes this album truly outstanding. Other guest musicians from Knott’s endless arsenal of talented friends include Chuck Cummings and Andrew Carter (his Aunt Bettys bandmates) on drums and guitar, respectively, Jeff ELbel (of Ping/Marathon Records fame) on bass, and even Knott’s dad, Howard Knott, on vocals. (Knott, Sr., lends his gravely, weathered voice to the sailor anthems “Storm At Sea” and “The Boyos.”)

Retroactive Records should be commended for resurrecting this classic, which is one of Knott’s three “rock operas” (L.S.Underground’s The Grape Prophet and Knott’s solo record Fluid are of the same ilk). Hopefully Retroactive Records’ quest to liberate fine albums from obscurity will continue. Suggested search-and-rescue missions: the aforementioned Grape Prophet, The Violet Burning’s Strength, and Gordon Gano’s mid-1980’s gospel side-project The Mercy Seat.

RIYL: Jane’s Addiction, David Bowie, The Choir, Cush, The Violet Burning

Greg Adams 12/13/05