The
Swing-O-Matics
The Swing-O-Matics
Sometimes
you can judge a book
by its cover. Sometimes the kitschy name, the Dick Tracy cover
art, and the anachronistic "Hi Fi" badge are all signs of
a half-hearted effort from a group of re-cast rock-and-roll
poseurs. Sometimes.
But
in the case of The Swing-O-Matics' self-titled debut, the
über-retro trappings are dead-on. The first track, "Almost
Anything," has you believing this band could make almost any
song a toe-tapper. The capable crooning of James Victor winds
its way down "Route 66," weaving between tables and winking
at the ladies. "Talkin' Dirty to Me" highlights the strengths
of this Wisconsin octet: moderate tempos, balanced arrangements
and sing-along lyrics. The Swing-O-Matics take the familiar
neo-swing formula of little-big-band players and Vegas-swing
charts and give it some style. The upbeat cadence and vibrant
vibes of their original composition, "Swing That Thing," is
typical of this record.
Where
the album begins to wear thin is the forced adaptation of
"I Dream of Jeannie" as a swing-latin hybrid, dragging competent
chart players through clearly unfamiliar mambo territory.
This is not the artistry of Stan Getz, or even an homage…
it's filler. The "Topsy/Whole Lotta Love/Sing Sing Sing" medley
that closes this production is uninspired, going where the
unbridled energy of Johnny Favourite and Lee Press-On rule
the roost.
Without
tempting the dark genius of Big Rude Jake or the brass-knuckle
beauty of Royal Crown Revue, The Swing-O-Matics deliver well-played,
accessible music sure to put a smile on the face of dancers,
music fans and casual listeners alike.
Dante
Murphy
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