CD’s, Vinyl & Downloads
The Boxmasters In Stereo (NDR)
Those groovy
cats from Elay are back on the road this sum- mer so check the website and make plans. You don’t wanna be the only cat or kitten in town to miss the hip
dance party. It’s always exciting to get a new Boxmasters tour and equally fun to get an all new album release from Bud, JD and Teddy and company. Such is the case with their summer of ‘18 release, In Stereo. As always, the Boxmasters give you a
lot of bang for your buck. They don’t put out seven-song albums. This one has 19 big tracks that make you want to slip outta your kicks and dance in the sand. The music evokes the carefree jingle-jangle beats reminiscent of the Byrds and the Beatles. All of the songs are great. Do I hear a
Farfisa organ on “She’s a Nice Girl?” If not, it sure sounds a lot like that particular keyboard used on so many classics of the ‘60’s by bands like the Sam the Sham, the Swingin’ Medal- lions and the Doors. “That’s Just Me Shakin’” is a great melody with killer bass and drums laying the foundation for some mighty fine guitar.
Bud sings his heart out on “Guess
That’s Gonna Have to Do,” and the rocking “Clear Enough.” His songs, co-written with JD Andrew, are always filled with thought-
provoking lyrics and memorable melodies and always, yes always, a strong danceability factor. Of course, they slow it down once in a while for a slow dance, as with the harmony- laden “Anything for You.” Love that one. “Psychedelic” is slow as well, and very cool with an almost Pink Floyd sound. Yeah, baby! “Never Wanna Leave California” is a
rocking tune about never wanting to leave the state of California. (Brilliant analysis there, Buff!) It’s a true tribute to the state, with spo- ken word inserted facts about California. Pretty original, but hey, these are the Box- masters after all. Oh, and there are some pretty hip sax solos on the record, including the song “Tahiuk,” another smooth groove. “That Boy is Bad News” is a rocker and a warning to a girl that she’d be a lot better off ditching her no good boyfriend and stepping out with the central character in the song. The Boxmasters never play by the
rules, except for their own rules, so on this album they retool one of their already famil- iar songs. “Japanese Girl” rocks a bit harder than the original, and if rock radio had a clue, they’d quickly add this song to the rotation. God bless the Tokyo princesses. The great songs just flow out of these guys like beer from a keg. “There’ll Be Some Money,” “She’s a Nice Girl,” (as I said earlier, I dig the organ on this one), and the lovely “Will You Come Around Again” is a standout cut. “Best Girl” rocks with a surf beat, has that early six- ties pop thing down pat. I love it. “Wait’ll You See Me Fall” and “Turn
Around” are both good ones as well, with “Turn Around” boasting a touch of almost Brad Paisley style guitar.” As a great added bonus, the boys include a live version of their
35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
