The Groggers

[FaustianSlip]

I'm putting this here because hey, they're Orthodox, and it's religious music, but I just wanted to sing the praises of The Groggers. If Fountains of Wayne and the Maccabeats had a baby, this is probably what it would sound like. It's described on their videos as Jewish punk, but I think it's more poppy, personally. In any case, they have videos for such gems as, "Eishes Chayil" (the infamous Proverbs 31 woman!):

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"Upper West Side Story":

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And last, but not least, "Get":

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Anyway, I think they're catchy and entertaining, not to mention that they're living proof that you can be Orthodox and not be a crazy fundie. So two thumbs up, I say. Hat tip to Kochava, who mentioned them over on her blog.

[MamaJunebug]

I got to "tell your Pop to drop that restraining order" and woke up the cats laughing so hard.

Ah, good stuff, good music too.

[FaustianSlip]

Heh, I was listening to it for the first time while walking to work the other day, got to that part and started laughing in the middle of the street like a crazy person. They also have an entire song about shatnez (the prohibition against mixing wool and linen). That takes skill.

[Buzzard]

Love it! Especially the part in the last one about "the kids are your responsibility that's why I married you" leading into the entire song about divorce!

[clibbyjo]

Clever, I like clever lyrics. :) I also like the girl in video #1 dresses modest, yet stylist as any teen/college age girl might do.(compared to how the usually show Orthodox girls in frumpy floor length skirts and plain long sleeve shirts)

[hoipolloi]

Wow! These guys are great. I'd never heard of them - thanks!

"Ya gotta get, get, get, get give her a Get" - too funny!

[Sweetpea1]

Very, very cool. :)

[FaustianSlip]

In light of the conversation about Jewish dating, "Upper West Side Story" is probably the best/most realistic summation of how Orthodox (at least the Modern Orthodox) dating scene works. That and the song "Shidduch Hit the Fan" on their album.

[Guest Anonymous]

Dude, this made my week. These are GREAT! I can't wait to hear more! how freaking hilarious!

[FaustianSlip]

You can get their entire album on iTunes; totally worth it, I think. The only downside was that it also made me want to listen to Fountains of Wayne, and I didn't have any on my iPod at the time.

[Trynn]

Heh, I was listening to it for the first time while walking to work the other day, got to that part and started laughing in the middle of the street like a crazy person. They also have an entire song about shatnez (the prohibition against mixing wool and linen). That takes skill.

That one I want to hear. But I couldn't find it on youtube. Could someone link me to where I can hear more of their songs?

[clibbyjo]

I find it hysterical that now we are all fans of an Orthodox band. I even watched several videos of the Maccabeats. :/ (Their cover of Hallelujah is good and Dynamite is funny "I throw my latkes in the air sometimes...")

[CynicMom]

I guess I "get" is a special kinda divorce? Maybe sorta like an annulment? Someone help me out here.

[Jamanda]

A 'Get' is a divorce document the husband present to the wife which states that the marriage is disovled and she is now free to pursue other men without it being adultery.

[FaustianSlip]

That one I want to hear. But I couldn't find it on youtube. Could someone link me to where I can hear more of their songs?

Look them up on iTunes, and you can preview a minute or so from each song. I think they also have a Myspace, so it might be on there somewhere.

And I love the Maccabeats, especially their "Lecha Dodi"/"Hallelujah" combo. I do think the sense of humor a lot of Orthodox bands are prepared to have about Judaism in general and Jewish law in particular really does show a different approach to religion than you get with your typical fundie Christians. Granted, these bands are probably all banned in the really right-wing circles, but still. There's a group called 613 that does a cover of "Poker Face" called "Kosher Plate." You really can't make this stuff up.

Personally, if the music's good and the lyrics are clever, they could be Hare Krishnas, for all I care. It's just a bonus that these groups have Jewish content.

[Hane]

Ohhhhhh, I heart these guys so much. The views they promote--particularly the one in "Give Her a Get"--are downright progressive!

[snarkykitty]

This Roman Catholic girl LOVES the Groggers! I love their beat (their skills are actually quite authentic) and the lyrics. They remind me of a lot of 80s music in way. Thanks for introducing us!

[sea_gale]

I find their songs bouncy and catchy and their lead singer defrauding! *thumbs up*