Friday, December 21, 2007

JEWMONGOUS"Taller Than Jesus"Big Sean Music/Chow Fun

"I'VE FOUND THAT NOT knowing squat about Judaism allows for better lyrics, as I'm not hamstrung by the pesky 'truth,' " writes singer-songwriter Sean Altman in the notes accompanying the witty and outrageously lampooning "Taller Than Jesus" from Jewmongous. Then, as if aware that folks may question his motives or background while scanning the album's song titles, beginning with "What the Hell Is Simchas Torah?," Altman adds: "Jewmongous is really just an extension of my bar mitzvah, simultaneously embracing and rebelling against my heritage." Good to know.

Of course, none of that will come as news to those who've followed Altman's curious career, from his stint in Rockapella (best known for the "Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?" theme) to the recently defunct comedy duo What I Like About Jew, with journalist-humorist-tunesmith Rob Tannenbaum.

Tannenbaum co-wrote four tunes on "Taller Than Jesus," including the emblematic singalong "They Tried to Kill Us (We Survived, Let's Eat)." But this is mostly Altman's take on un-kosher music. The album is full of catchy melodies, clever arrangements and lyrics that yield satiric gems ("Taller Than Jesus" riffs on John Lennon's comment that the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus"), and, well, let's just say you won't be hearing "Today I Am a Man" or "Another Inch" on the radio anytime soon.

-- Mike Joyce

Appearing Monday at Jammin' Java (703-255-1566,http://www.jamminjava.com). Shows start at 7 and 9:30. Appearing Tuesday at Rams Head Tavern (410-268-4545,http://tickets.ramsheadonstage.com). Show starts at 7.