Thanks to the unearthing of a 1977 studio session with Alex Chilton, The Cramps have released Gravest Gravy (2026). An album covering the topic of death and the gravity of it, it masterfully demonstrates the musicianship of longtime members Lux Interior and Poison Ivy.
Opening the album is the rawer version of their 1984 song “TV Set.” It’s a gruesome, morbid depiction of disembodying a lover to preserve them in a fridge. Reading almost as a love song amidst its grimness, Lux’s voice is full of humor and swagger, as the guitar remains rhythmic and simple. “Weekend On Mars” is inspirational and full of energy, an invitation to party. It’s a perfect yet stripped-back version of a crowd favorite at live shows. Another great reinterpretation of their own songs is “Twist & Shout,” which demonstrates how in tune the band is with early rock and roll and its wildness. The drums build momentum for an otherwise simple track, while Lux sings maniacally.
Continuing the theme of early rock and roll is “Jungle Hop.” Its highly rhythmic, and much like the other tracks, ditches complexity and elaborate embellishments to reduce the instrumentation to only the essentials. “I Can’t Hardly Stand It” is grungy as Lux vocalizes with a rhythmic staccato. The album features a few covers, one of them being Paul Revere & the Raider’s “Hungry.” Their cover is unpolished in the best way possible, the band just jamming along.
“The Natives Are Restless” demonstrates the band’s progression over the years, transforming older tracks of theirs into something fresh. The track is highly energized, certainly restless, and perfectly beach rock. Back to the covers, The Cramps make Roy Orbison’s “Domino” all their own through creative re-imagination. “Can’t Find My Mind” is hypnotic and gripping, all while ditching embellishments in the instrumentals.
Their cover of “Rockin’ Bones” revisits the concept of death in this call-and-response track. Its minimalism opens up the listener to absorbing the inevitability of death. “Problem Child” continues the theme of death. On this cover of another Roy Orbison song, the band gets unhinged through the silly lyricism about staying on your best behavior. Lux has an uninhibited spirit on this track. He gets riled up on “Rocket In My Pocket,” and it serves as a celebration of rock and roll and artistic instincts.
Through its simplicity, Gravest Gravy is a demonstration of the raw talent the members of The Cramps hold. Their creativity in remastering old tracks and covers doesn’t go unnoticed on this record.
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