Caution: Too Damn Much Fun Ahead. While certain members of the "hipper-than-thou" so-called alternative press and mainstream music reporters are already tripping over each other to be the first one ahead of the curve by bemoaning the current surge in the popularity of swing music, the rest of us are just plain diggin' it. Sure it's a fad, but it beats orange hair, multiple piercings, and funny shorts.
Getting in on the fun is KLBB AM Radio (1400/1470) with the release of Welcome To Swingland featuring 19 previously unreleased tracks by 14 Twin Cities bands including (are you ready?): The Senders, Hot Head Swing Band, Trailer Trash, Scotty Shanks & Her Cabana Boys, The Vibro Champs, Accident Clearinghouse, Suspect Bill, Dustbunnies, Swamp Sextet, Latin Sounds Orchestra, Tony DeMarco & The Swing-O-Philes, Cafe' Accordion Orchestra, Vic Volare & His Volare Lounge Orchestra, and Jack Knife & The Sharps.
A few highlights include "Play The Blues" and "Lovin' Machine" by the Senders (the longest playing Twin Cities swing band on the release - they've been doing this stuff for years!), "What A Price To Pay" by the Swamp Sextet, "Drivin' Gal" by the Dustbunnies, "Kissy Poo" by the Hot Head Swing Band, "Northshore Drive" by Jack Knife & the Sharps, and "Out With The In Crowd" by the Vibro Champs. There is simply too much great music on this CD to comment on here.
The amount of music for the price is a real bargain too at $10.99, and it's just in time for the holidays. Not only that, but a portion of the proceeds go to the Second Harvest Food Bank. (Available at the Electric Fetus and Best Buy).
This review is copyright © 1999 by Kurt Koehler, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.