Bern cooks up 'Eggs'

Bern truly proves on this album that he is one of today's greatest lyricists. Most of his lyrics are sarcastic reflections on current political, religious and personal issues.

Some of these are philosophical and thought-provoking. In "One Thing Real," Bern describes a conversation he had with Jesus in which He "offered (him) a toke and said two thousand years is long enough for this particular joke."

One apparent problem with the album is that on the few songs where Bern is serious and sensitive, it is difficult at first to recognize that he is not being sarcastic and offensive. It is like trying to imagine listening to Adam Sandler talk seriously about spirituality or being in love.

REVIEW
	Dan Bern Fifty Eggs Work 3 stars Reviewed by Daily Arts Writer Amy Barber

But once you get used to the fact that Bern can in fact successfully sing about issues such as these, it is easy to learn to appreciate those songs.

In "Monica," for example, Bern does an exceptional job reflecting on the tragic stabbing of tennis great Monica Seles.

There are probably no more than three or four chords played throughout the entire album, but the music is excellent despite the lack of instrumental genius. Bern has a real knack for producing catchy chord progressions that stay in the listener's head for hours.

Bern shows growth on "Fifty Eggs." His debut album had a few real gems on it, but overall, was not nearly as strong as his new release. This time, there aren't only a few songs to carry the album.

Practically every song is excellent. And "Fifty Eggs" is one of the most entertaining new releases to come along in a long time.

04-01-98