Ghettobillies

Originating in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Ghettobillies consist of three mildly eccentric figures—Tasty Pastor J (Jason Church), Reverend C. Cobb (Robbie Conaway), and Pope D Licious (Derek Kramer)—who deliver some of the most humorous, offbeat, and risqué material ever presented with acoustic instruments. They first appeared in 1997, opening for the adult-themed marionette ensemble the Gepetto Files, after which the group built its own audience and began regular performances at area venues. Their approach differs from standard comedy rock, avoiding simple gag structures in favor of dense pop-culture allusions and candid looks at society's seedier aspects, in a manner reminiscent of the Rugburns or perhaps the Kingston Trio under psychedelic influence. Repertoire spans subjects such as proctology and pornography as well as sincere ballads concerning one-legged women and the minister's daughter, all delivered so straight-faced that audiences often doubt what they are hearing. The independent album Some Rezeev, issued in 1999, expanded their reach and prompted regional touring across the Midwest. In 2000 the Ghettobillies joined Planet Ant Records and issued their follow-up collection, whimsically named Butterface.