SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS - PERENNIAL FAVORITES

It's interesting that the band who's hit single "Hell" which introduced millions to the resurgence of swing is not really a very swinging band. At least not the sort of jump-swing of bands like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy or the Brian Setzer Orchestra. Yes, "The Suits are Picking Up the Bill" and "Ghost of Stephen Foster" contain the signiature horn lines and manic drumming of good swing music, the Zippers are really have a more jazzier sound to their material. Check out the mournful Jessica Rabbit-like "Low Down Man" or the near cartoon soundtrack style horns on "Fat Cat Keeps Getting Fatter". Louis Prima this ain't. But don't get me wrong, though. This album does rock. If you liked "Hell"'s "speakeasy-of-the-damned" sound, I guarantee you'll dig "Trou Macacq", and for some of the best violin playing ever, queue up "Ghost of Stephen Foster". This track segues from a jaw-droppingly beautiful Arabian Nights style violin solo to the fastest, most jivin' playing on the whole album. Consisting of twelve songs and clocking in at just over 38 minutes this is by no means a long album, but it is without a doubt a hell of a good one!

As an added bonus, this album also contains one of the best lines I've heard in years: (From the song Soon) "I have a dream where snowflakes fall inside a painted hall, but that don't pay the rent." Hysterical and brilliant.

You owe it to yourself to buy this album!

Review by Aram at:  Frames Per Second

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