Today, it’s The Upper Crust’s first full album, 1995’s Let Them Eat Rock. 
I know that almost nobody knows this band, and there are a few good reasons for this. They were never signed by a major label or went out on a national tour. They never had a song get any national radio play – I wonder if they got played on local radio where they were from? But this band is incredible, as long as you’re willing to buy-in on their very specific gimmick. I’ll get to that in a minute.
Some of you may know that when I moved back to NYC three years after finishing college, I came back to work with my friend’s band – Darlahood – as their roadie, assistant, etc. We played the rock clubs around the city as the band built up their new songs and their new lineup in search of a record deal. Sadly those clubs are almost all gone now. One night in early 1995, after we had loaded in our equipment at Brownie’s (on Avenue A between 10th & 11th St), we were hanging around backstage just … waiting, when these five guys walked in with their gear. If you had told me the name of their band was “The Longshoremen” I would’ve said “That’s a perfect name!” These guys were brawny, rough-hewn looking dudes from Massachusetts (their accents gave them away), and after clearing a path for them, I didn’t give them another thought.
I went out to get my band some food and, when I came back and the other band was gone and we ate dinner and then the first band of the night went up, a band called the Upper Crust. I hadn’t seen another band come in and, as we were on second, the third band wouldn’t normally come as early as the roughnecks from Boston had, but all of a sudden, I heard the best AC/DC imitation I have ever heard in a small rock club. I couldn’t make out the lyrics but the music was fantastic. I ran out to see who the Upper Crust was and my eyes almost popped out of my head.
The Upper Crust was a 5-man band all dressed as 18th century French aristocrats – giant powdered wigs, faces covered in powder, ruffled silk shirts and silk pantaloons, with high-heeled (men’s) shoes and white stockings, each one with a beauty spot somewhere on their face – and they were absolutely rocking. They played original song after original song that was thematic, about being a rich French aristocrat, sounding like the best bar band version of AC/DC you’ve ever heard. Songs included “Let Them Eat Rock,” “Rock N Roll Butler,” “Old Money,” “I’ve Got My Ascot N My Dickie,” and my favorite, “Little Lord Fauntleroy.” It was a mix of really creative lyrics that were delivered in as sleazy and rock-n-roll a way as possible, all while performing standing tall and proud in these costumes, treating the audience with a slight aire of contempt befitting of a gaggle of French aristocrats looking out on the unwashed masses.
And then I realized that these were the longshoremen from Boston! Holy shit! They’re smart! And committed to their act! Brilliant!!
During my 2 years working with my friend’s band, that was the only time I ever bought a CD at the gig from another band that we played with, and we played with some great ‘90’s club bands. It was also one of the only times that I heard new music that excited me this much live before I heard it on the radio or TV. I still remember the feeling – it’s a special thing when it happens. I bought two more of their CDs as they produced more music, and it’s all good – again, as long as you’re up for some AC/DC meets Marie Antionette’s diary rock-n-roll. I still listen to this band to feed the hard rock side of my brain. Do yourself a favor and check this album out if you haven’t before. And if you do, let me know what you think.
