Mastered in Memphis and engineered in St. Paul, the Snakehips album, "This is Hip Music" rings of Southside Johnny meets Daisy Dillman! (Remember the Daisy Dillman Band?) While this is not a true blues CD, the album is intriguing, fun and worth a listen!
Kip Mertens sets the style for the Snakehips, with his raw yet tender vocals, which are reminiscent of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. The opening song, "Jumping on the Moon" is a great little dance tune! The rhythm section of Joe Dowdall, Matt Frid. Greg Johnson and Eric Strom serve up a strong opening set! The band plays with excitement and confidence, setting the stage for a solid set of songs. "Dad's New Teeth" is a fun rhythm and blues tune, and a little humor in the lyrics adds a little fun. "Lies That the Gypsy Tells" is a strong song, with a memorable, haunting melody.
Guest musician Peter Ostroushko adds some lively strings on several of the songs. He mirrors guitarists Pat Lesney and Jon Shaffer on "Saint Croix" then winds around Mertens' vocals. His mandolin playing on the last track, "The Blue Window" adds a delicate layer of sweetness to this slow ballad. Mertens' vocals are especially strong on cuts like, "My Time" which is almost anthem-like. The guitar and bass playing are also solid on this tune.
The Snakehips' album, "This is Hip Music" features a variety of tunes, ranging from ballads to rhythm and blues....to a touch of country meets Elvis! This band would be great fun to catch live sometime!
Web site: www.snakehips.org
You can now order other CDs, books, and videos from Blues On Stage in association with Amazon.com. Simply click on the logo at the left and shop! They have some of the best prices on the web and even offer some used product at lower prices.
This review is copyright © 2002 by Lisa Gault, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
Web Hosting & Design:
Web Hosting & Design.
Most affordable web hosting and design services available.
Find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.