Chris Ballew knows how to write a catchy tune. As leader of the rock band The Presidents of the United States of America, he wrote alternative radio hits like “Lump” and “Peaches” – songs that stick in your brain. While PUSA still plays shows from time to time, Chris now spends much of his time writing and performing as Caspar Babypants.
As a music-loving parent myself, I find Caspar’s debut release “Here I Am,” to be as fun for me as it is for my son. Chock full of two minute sing-a-longs, “Here I Am” is a joy to listen to – over and over and over again – as I’m sure many young ones require.
You are an underpaid high school basketball coach. Your wife left you for a rich, nerdy dermatologist. Your kids won’t listen to you – one of whom, the son, is into Goth and wears makeup and nail polish. The house you just moved into burned down. You are now living in a tent behind said house. You have no direction or prospects. But at least you have a really big penis.
This is the life of Ray Drecker (played by Thomas Jane). After his wife Jessica (played by Anne Heche) leaves him, and his house burns down, he meets friend, and former one-night-stand, Tanya (played by Jane Adams) at a get-rich class. After another night together, in anger Tanya tells Ray to “go market your penis!” He takes her suggestion to heart and becomes a male escort. Unfortunately for Ray, his first client changes her mind. At least she gives him $50 for his trouble. Rock bottom ensues.
Hung is way more than just an endless stream of tallywacker jokes. It’s a well written comedy with a dry witted dark side and a heart.