Search - Mike Keneally & Beer For Dolphins :: Dancing

Mike's best yet -- and probably 2000's best disc so far

Christopher Ingalls | Massachusetts | 10/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I became a Mike Keneally fan the same way a lot of people did -- due to MK's association with Frank Zappa. Mike was a guitarist/keyboard player in Frank's last touring band in 1988. Since then, he's released a slew of wild, weird, and completely invigorating solo albums both under his own name and as the leader of Mike Keneally and Beer For Dolphins. While he definitely has Zappa influences all over his music, his music does have several shots of power pop a la Todd Rundgren and XTC, and his lyrics show more optimism than Zappa's. This particular release is definitely his strongest yet, with lots of full-band musical weirdness as well as some bona fide pop/rock singles. The delicious "Live in Japan" would be a Top Ten hit in a perfect world. "Joe" sounds like Todd Rundgren meets Steely Dan. "Selfish Otter" is a nod to complex, trippy 70's prog rock (complete with a wacky moog solo). "Mystery Music" is an instrumental that sounds uncannily like They Might Be Giants. Not only is this Mike's best work, it's also his most all-over-the-map, and, dare I say, the one disc he's put out so far that may actually bring him mainstream acceptance. Do yourself a favor...take a chance on this disc and pick it up today. You won't regret it...there's definitely something in here for everybody."

Heads, We're Dancing

J. D. Mack | Silver Spring, MD USA | 10/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Five Star! I could blab on and on about this album. The best place to get a sense of what this album is about is to go to Mike Keneally's web site and click on "Dance Fever" (I'm not allowed to list the url, but let's say it's pretty logical) There are several in depth reviews from fans that do not always rave about everything Mike's done. This time, however, the praise is unanimous!"

Only the best Keneally release to date

wonkyrecords | Kirkland, WA USA | 10/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Is it too much to say that Mike Keneally, right this minute, is writing hands-down the BEST music in the world? Would you lose any respect for me if I express my opinion that Beer For Dolphins, Mike's band, that is the glorious foundation upon which "Dancing" sits, is simply the finest ensemble in existence? Well, fanboy hype or no, I'm pretty sure that we'll see no finer album than "Dancing" released in 2000. For the first time in his solo career, Keneally entrusts his songs to one band lineup all the way through, providing a unity of presentation lacking in his other (also stellar) releases. This is challenging stuff; the 1997 "Sluggo!" is still probably the best place for a Keneally newbie to start. However, "Dancing" features MK's most assured, emotional, and flat-out stunning collection of tunes thus far. And I get the feeling... Mikey's only just getting warmed up."