"Rock God Dave" LeClair is a firm believer in the idea that humor does, in fact, belong in music. His former long-running trio, Rock Gods From Chicopee, was known for its comically-twisted, often bizarre subject matter delivered joyfully over power-poppy, three-cord ditties. Describing themselves in an old promotional one-sheet as "spandexed '80s metal good-time rock with a sense of humor," the trio produced costumed live spectacles that were visual manifestations of their goofy world view. They were a band who knew how to have fun.

After disbanding that group, LeClair went on to release a CD as Mdo called Head on the Anvil (signature tune: "Draw a Penis on Jesus") with drummer Keith Levreault and producer/multi-instrumentalist Jim Weeks. After a few miscellaneous singles, he formed Side By Each with Weeks and local guitar slinger Ernie Senecal to realize some of the tunes he had been working on.

The band recently released an EP, Old Dogs New Tricks, and while some of the tracks carry forward the old Rock God whimsy—particularly on the CD's final track, "Booger Boy"—there is a sense of thoughtfulness and purpose to balance things out.

"I listen to and consequently try to create songs that are subversive, have good wordplay, get inside your brain with their insidious melodies so you unconsciously hum them without even knowing it," says LeClair. "They affect you emotionally if that is the intention. They rock and they are fun to sweat to and a blast to play for folks."

LeClair cares deeply about music, despite any appearances to the contrary, and his advice to others is simple: "Learn an instrument or not, and avoid any attempts to make you 'fit in.' Have as much fun in life as you can." LeClair says he hopes to bring Side By Each to local stages if he can "get the other two reprobates out of their straitjackets before getting caught."

For a fine example of Rock God Dave in action, visit YouTube and do a search on "Booger Boy." Old Dogs New Tricks is available now at local music stores.