Anonymous Botch, named for the famous medieval figurative artist Unknown, is a swell collection of groovy pop goo from the guy who used to drum in a popular eighties cult band we've been asked not to mention. Anonymous Botch is his fourth solo album since leaving the, uh, that band. The third, Tenterhooks, is also available on the Bar/None label.

Based on a true story, Anonymous Botch explores the origins of mad cow disease, reeks vengeance on a deejay with a bad attitude, then discusses the legitimacy of a mother donating a kidney to her drugged-out daughter ("Mom please forgive me for screwing my innards up - give me your kidney and I won't drink anymore.") The latter, "Janet's New Kidney", sees Mars dueting with a real-life alternative rock goddess. We can't use her name here, but look for her big screen debut this Fall.

Recorded at Pine Box Studios, Anonymous Botch features a plethora of famous mystery guests, many of whose contractual obligations with other record labels prevent them from being credited here. (But do the initials D.P.O., S.R. or T.L. ring a bell?!) Chris Mars collaborates with a Grammy-winning songwriter and an Oscar-nominated composer, both whom share the distinction of having big gnarly agents who don't necessarily see the value in sheer artistic, and not necessarily lucrative, projects such as this one, and so have mandated that the names be withheld. That sure won't keep us from enjoying the tuneful results of these associations.

Mars, who like Henley and Collins before him made his initial mark as a drummer, forfeits the skins (a career first) to the biggest, hottest drummer this side of Keith Moon, but his band doesn't know he's on the record, and of course, it's not appropriate for them to find out by reading this, so we won't mention him here. But he rocks. Also featured on the aural gala is Chuck Whitney, a Minneapolis computer repairman and proprietor of P.C. Paramedics, who plays lead guitar on "The Weather". In the months since completing this project, even Mars has forgotten who all is on it. In fact, since mixed, he's not sure he's on it. Maybe that's why Anonymous Botch is so darn good- the sum of the parts, the absence of a central ego, the cool cover, the cool covers, the great players and the special joy of performing anonymously.

Chris Mars' alter-ego, Chris Mars, will exhibit 25 new works of art at Burning City Gallery in Los Angeles through October. The exhibition will then travel on to other cities around the country. The other Mars is also working on the development of a feature length film animation of his characters. Collaborators on this Mars project include David Lynch (Blue Velvet), Henry Sellick (The Nightmare Before Christmas) and Neal Edelsten (Sub Station). Mars will develop, art direct and score the project. Expect production to begin in 1997.

Oculus did this interview with Chris around the time Tenterhooks was released.