Beautiful Progression
06/18/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Chris and Carla, both as part of, and apart from, The Walkabouts, have a sophisticated, wonderful, rich, and pleasing body of work. "Swinger 500" will reinforce that truth for their followers. Carla's voice gets only more beautiful and stirring; Chris's guitar and lyrics get more sophisticated, spookier, and foreboding. Their innovative use of analog synths, their new treatments of old songs, their remarkable inclusion of generous, talented guests: all these factors make this CD a compelling addition to the Walkabouts catalog. If you're new to their music, this work is a great introduction to fandom. Soon, like other Walkabouts fans, you'll find yourself asking, "Why aren't these guys superstars in the US, like they are in Europe?" But you'll be secretly almost glad, because listening to this CD seems like such a personal, intimate act, you will want to hold the experience tight to yourself like a private possession.Songs like "The Good News First" and "New Love Ends" may make you feel like a voyeur to a special kind of pain. "Bingo Catastrophe" has a great hook. That old Willie Nelson saw "Funny How Time Slips Away" is made into a fresh, brand new song. "Swinger 500" is an excellent, dense, and rewarding CD, and worthy of hundreds of hours in your player."