If you've ever read any reviews by yours truly, you know that I celebrate the unusual. Unusual is certainly one way to describe Pineapples & Ashtrays by Beninghove's Hangmen.

The first song "Astronete" alone gives you plenty to consider. That in fact is a gross understatement. A better way to say it is that there is so much going on in this song, it's hard to absorb all of it. This song is one part exotica, one part cool jazz (think "One Mint Julep"), and one part spaced-out funk. No, that is no exaggeration. You really can hear all of those things in the song. The spaced-out funk can especially be heard in the guitar solo in the middle of the song. Keep in mind that's only the first song, and it's only three and a half minutes long.

Every song offers something a little different. The title track for instance kind of sounds like something that might be played in a Polynesian beatnik bar - at least for most of the song. It alternates between that and something that sounds like it could be used for teaching couples some uptempo ballroom dance. You'll hear some reggae sounds (mixed with some otherworldly weirdness) in "Lola Gotta Gun".

One song that is sure to grab the attention is this band's cover of "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon". To call this a straightforward cover would be a little misleading. First off, it is instrumental. Yes, you hear the familiar guitar part - at least until the bridge where it takes a turn toward Eddie Hazel. However, the vocal part in this song is done entirely with horns. Furthermore, the drum part is a lot like a march through most of the song. Frankly, this version would be pretty good in Pulp Fiction too.

This is a very unusual album. You're not likely to find many like it. After all, how many other bands do you know that can mix jazz, funk, surf, and exotica? If you're someone who enjoys feeling surrounded by music, this album is for you. Just put it on and enjoy the musical ride. Pineapples & Ashtrays will be available on May 13.