On Songs for Parents Who Enjoy Drugs, Hamell on Trial uses his father-son relationship to address the American machine with a stellar blend of bold lyricism and candid politics. The one-man-punk-band returns with a few friends including the production wizadry of Ani DiFranco, who also provides vocals, bass, keys, drums and kazoo on a few tracks. With the help and inspiration of his son Detroit, a wise young man of three, Hamell provides witty insight to the question, “How do I raise a child in today’s world?” And like every good children’s story, Songs for Parents Who Enjoy Drugs has a strong moral: The guitar is mightier than the sword.
