Can we just talk for a hot second about how rad King Khan is? I’m not talking about Sharukh Khan, King of Bollywood, I’m talking King Khan and the Shrines. They’ve actually been around for a long time, and it feels like a missed opportunity that I didn’t find out about them until recently. High school would have been a lot easier if I had taken Khan‘s lead and learned to not give a shit and rock hard all the time. Pretty girl already has a boyfriend? No idea what to do for the science fair? Don’t worry about it d00d: take off your shirt, put on your Kanye shades, slam a beer and hit the streets, and it’ll all be fine.

The music reminds me of James Brown, of all people. A dirty, unshaven James Brown living in a shed somewhere in Georgia; a James Brown who didn’t get his start until after he heard about Iggy Pop. Khan, as a singer, has twelve-cylinder swagger and the horns have a hell of a time trying to keep up with him. Most importantly, you can hear how much fun they’re having every second of every song, and that’s the part that really works for me.

He’s got another act, King Khan and BBQ Show, which is more of a two-piece punk act. They’re great too, don’t get me wrong, but I’m a sucker for horns. Reflect on how much you love horns before you make your decision.

And before you ask, he’s not playing anywhere on the continent anytime soon. But you know, something about his persona makes me think he’ll just show up in abandoned hospitals and train stations and play sets, unannounced, for anyone who stumbles in.

King Khan & the Shrines – “Torture”
King Khan & the Shrines – “Land of the Freak”

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