|
The "Squirrel Nut Zippers" have
managed to put out another release that is as good, if not better,
than their last two major releases. "Perennial Favorites"
comes after the smashing success of "Hot," and after
gaining attention from MTV viewers and radio listeners around
the country. Their follow up to the surprising success of "Hot"
is somewhat different, yet the sound and song writing has allowed
for another successful venture for SNZ.
The album begins with the upbeat "Suits
Are Picking Up the Bill" that, as the press release states,
"Is a rollicking comment on the pleasures of success."
This song is also the first single from the album, as well as
its first video. You may have already seen or heard this release,
but don't judge the entire album based on this one song. For,
as anyone who has listened to anything else by these guys will
tell you, this is one group that can put out an album with many
different flavors on it.
Case in point, track two, "Low Down
Man." Here the tempo slows, and Katharine pines for the
love she has, one with no chance of a happy ending. Accompanied
by piano and steel guitar, this song is one that might remind
you of a similar experience, or at the least give you some insight
as to the pain of a doomed love. Either way, Katharine's voice,
and the choice of music to back her up, leave you with a sense
of loneliness.
Next on the list is one of my personal
favorites, "Ghost of Stephen Foster." Here the guys
(general term for the entire group) pick up the beat and tell
us of the darker side of Mr. Stephen Foster and his work. With
lyrics like "Ships were made for drinking. Whiskey made
for drinking. If we were made of cellophane we'd all get stinking
drunk much faster!" and "Camp town ladies never sang
all the do dah day, no, no, no!" you can get the gist of
what is being said in this song. Granted, the first example may
need a little figuring out, but the second reference should be
self-explanatory. If you cannot get it then just keep in mind
that the Camp town ladies were prostitutes, not the best job
or social status I can think of.
"Pallin' With Al" follows, and
is about the living legend Al Casey, who still lives in Harlem
and performs as much as possible. If you have no clue about this
amazing man, keep in mind that he played with such greats as
Billie Holiday, Fats Waller and His Rhythm, and Louis Armstrong.
This song emphasizes the guitar and Andrew Bird's fiddle (he
sat in with the band in New Orleans for "Hot), and then
follows through with help from the rest of the band for an excellent
finish.
"Fat Cat Keeps Getting Fatter"
hits us next, and focuses on matters of indulgence, hence the
title. This is a great number that leads into Tom Maxwell's ode
to the road, "Trou Macacq" or "The Monkey Track."
Chock full of metaphors, this rolling tune manages to make you
think as well as get your feet tapping along with the beat.
Katharine once again regales us with her
talent, on the banjo, as well as her beautiful voice, reminiscent
of Billie Holiday, on "My Drag." This song is based
on the "drag" style that was popular during the 1920's,
a song set in a minor key. The style was highly inspirational
for "some of the strangest orchestral Jazz Compositions"
during the decade. "Soon" comes next, with its eminent
feeling of doom, followed by "Evening at Lafitte's,"
a tune that leaves the listener with a feeling of late evenings
with a lover, joyful times that all would want to last forever.
"The Kraken" rolls in with steel
drums and fire crackers and finishes with the siren voice of
Katharine. "That Fascinating Thing" comes along with
that wonderful New Orleans Jazz sound that is ever present in
the French Quarter. This is another of my personal favorites
on the album.
The CD closes with a most appropriately
named tune, "It's Over." After a hard day, come home
and put on this lovely tune and dim the lights to help yourself
unwind. Although the end has come, you cannot help but want more.
These guys are wonderful and they compliment each other so well
musically that the music comes out that much better. I would
recommend this album to any fan of the group, young or old, and
to anyone who likes the sound of swing and the blues.
To compare this album with the prior two
SNZ releases would be impossible. The sound of the band, and
the difference in the songs, is reminiscent of "The Inevitable,"
but not as swingy as "Hot." However, the album stands
on its own merits, with great writing, great singing and great
music. I really enjoyed this album, and look forward to the next
SNZ release.
|
