MC Lars

This Gigantic Robot Kills

[3/5]

After a three-year break, California nerdcore rapper MC Lars returns with This Gigantic Robot Kills. The disc’s title is taken from a conversation Lars had with late avant garde legend Wesley Willis shortly before he died. It’s a fitting tribute: Like Willis, Lars isn’t heavy on musical skill, but oozes with enthusiasm for his art. He’s created a following not for his flow, but for his clever, often comical brand of rap. On Robot, he brings along a slew of guests to fill the gaps. In addition to “Weird Al” Yankovic (!), members of Simple Plan, the Donnas and Cobra Starship also make appearances. The finest collaboration comes on “O.G. Original Gamer,” which features fellow geeks MC Frontalot and Jonathan Coulton; the track is a great example of nerdcore done right. Lars succeeds alone on “White Kids Aren’t Hyphy,” a hilarious mock of the Bay Area rap movement. Unfortunately, there are several moments when Lars’ vocal shortcomings become noticeable, especially on slower jams. Robot definitely has some bright moments, but Lars’ wit isn’t always enough to mask his sub par rapping. (CRAPPY; crappyrecords.com) Dex Green



ROCKS LIKE:

“Weird Al” Yankovic’s Running With Scissors

Wesley Willis’ Rock ’N’ Roll Will Never Die

MC Chris’ Eating’s Not Cheating