You don't get many accordion solos at rock shows. With good reason, usually. But let us pause for a moment to praise Kenny Margolis of Cracker. The highlight of any Cracker show is Margolis' solo during "Dr. Bernice," a haunting 60 seconds of accordion so soulful that even the doughy ex-frat boys waiting to hear "Low" and "Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)" hoot their approval. After fifteen years, Cracker's sound is unmistakable: the sardonic lyrics and drawling vocals of David Lowery and Johnny Hickman's revving guitar hooks. But the textures and flourish Margolis provides on accordion and keyboards are the reasons why the band's live show remains fresh.
