Search - Brave Combo :: Musical Varieties

O Holy Night Cha Cha Cha And Other Classics

Robert I. Hedges | 11/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brave Combo never ceases to amaze me. Even though I have had this CD for a number of years, I have recently been listening to it routinely because it always puts me in a better mood. If you think that the world's greatest modern polka band would be a drag, think again. This CD is full of Brave Combo's best work, and crosses many musical boundaries in the process. My personal favorites are "O Holy Night Cha Cha Cha," which is exactly what you would believe it to be given the title, "Habanera Rock," an up-tempo re-rendering of a Latin classic, "Gigi," a wonderful and peculiar show tune (and I am someone who generally detests musicals), the African influenced "Skokiaan," "Sixteen Tons" done as an upbeat quasi-polka (certain to startle anyone familiar with the original), and my very favorite of all, the Doors classic "People Are Strange," a truth which will be more evident than ever after hearing this version, which is not at all what Jim Morrison had in mind.



Some of these are live and some are studio recordings, but the musicianship is first rate throughout. The band emphasizes unusual treatments of well known titles, intermixed with pleasantly surprising originals. Think of Brave Combo as Weird Al for intellectuals, or perhaps as Lawrence Welk for metalheads, although no categorization can really do them justice. This is the best CD to use as an introduction, but I warn you, this music is very addictive.

"

You can't be depressed listening to this!

Robert I. Hedges | 08/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD could liven up almost any party. In fact, the whole thing, but particularly the last half almost sounds like they were having a great time in the studio recording it. Put this on and form a conga line! You won't be sorry."

COOL, FUN, BUY THIS CD!!!

BQuimby | San Francisco | 10/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a blast.
No intelligent, deep or thoughtful dissertation here - just a simple and earnest command: BUY THIS CD!
EVERYONE always asks me what I am listening to when this is playing - it is just a great kick in the pants. Have some FUN!"