Search - Alien Fashion Show, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Mighty Mighty Bosstones :: Next Generation Swing

Aileen R. (aileen) from N HOLLYWOOD, CA
Reviewed on 5/17/2008...

"This CD is a fine compilation of modern swing bands. In fact, this CD really is the one that first got me hooked on the new mix of swing, jump blues, boogie, lounge and such. It ranges from some pretty straight-ahead swing versions of classics (e.g., Cole Porter) to more offbeat bands like Alien Fashion Show (though I have no idea what the Mighty Mighty Bosstones are doing on this album !). A good variety of styles are presented." --Daniel Blau (from Amazon.com)

Overprocessed Swing

jarrett@sprynet.com | Honolulu, Hawaii | 02/01/1999

(1 out of 5 stars)

"There's something wrong with this CD. I'm not sure why, but it sounds like somebody took some regular tracks, and tried to "enhance" them by tweaking with the eq and compressing the sound. In a couple of the tracks, the high notes are painfully sharp at times. The CD's also lacking good contrast in the music--due to what sounds like compression (which "smooths" out the music, eliminating volume variations), and this makes the songs sound just awful. The backing horn section is often barely audible, while the lead section blasts in a flat-volumed blah. I guess you can expect a compilation of such low quality when they print on the back of the CD, "GAP TV Commercial Theme Song" as a description of Jump, Jive, An' Wail. (Which is somewhat wrong--the song is right, but the CD includes a processed mix of the original Louis Prima version, not the Brian Setzer one used in the ad) Other bad tracks include a version of Zoot Suit Riot, which I'm almost positive was done using a synthesizer. Do they think we won't notice?I wasn't expecting much--just wanting to hear new bands, but from what I've heard, I wouldn't want to try the other bands out. However, I've listened to some of the bands on the CD with their original albums, and it sounds a whole lot better. If you just want a general idea of what type of style the band plays, this CD might be okay. But don't use it as a definate judgement against these guys. I'd recommend "Hipsters, Zoots & Wingtips" a lot more than this comp; while that CD is not purely swing as this one claims to be, the sound is much better.BTW, I haven't looked at the video yet (free mail-in offer), but I'm not expecting much."

Great CD, Must Have

David Miller | Baton Roube, La. | 03/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"if you love the classics, you got to have this one, all by the orginal artist. i have ordered more for gifts and friends who have been asking about it."