Intoxicating Sounds
Review by Frankie Hagan
The beauty of the instrumental is that there are no words. Think about that: no words. Without verbal binding to the music, mood is allowed to prevail. Mood, idea, emotion, and ambiance. And then reflection. That’s the genius of the Martini Kings and their new release, Intoxicating Sounds (SwingOMatic Records). Continue Reading »
Popularity: 3% [?]
The Scourge of the South
Review by Janine Veazue
Back when rock was still in its infancy and considered scandalous by the general populous, teenagers flocked to small garage and backyard shows in defiance of parental distain and in celebration of their musical rebellion. Today, as that rebellion has been co-opted into a world of top Billboard hits and glossy packaging, the Tremors bring us back to that raw backyard feel, giving listeners the opportunity to bop to a hearty rockabilly beat. Continue Reading »
Popularity: 3% [?]
The King Reigns Supreme with New Deluxe Editions
By Will “The Thrill” Viharo
“When I read a comic book, I was the hero of that comic book…”
-Elvis Presley, 1970
Spider-Man, Batman and Wonder Woman are all answering the heroic call to DVD duty this Summer, as reviewed elsewhere on RetroRadar.com. Although he wasn’t a comic book superhero, when Elvis showed up on the small screen in skintight black leather or a white, sequined jumpsuit, he might as well have been. The recently released ELVIS PRESLEY: ’68 COMEBACK SPECIAL and ELVIS: ALOHA FROM HAWAII Deluxe Editions (BMG) are major treasure troves for all the King’s men and women to plunder with pleasure for hours. Continue Reading »
Popularity: 5% [?]
Moonlight Girls
Review by Craig “Big-T” Thompson
Dead on perfect. That’s the only way to describe the self-titled debut CD from the Moonlight Girls, a trio of Canadian songbirds who can swing a melody in ways not heard since World War II.
The Moonlight Girls have recreated the sounds of the Andrews Sisters with great mastery, style and sass. I will admit that when I heard the first chords on the opening track of their new release, I was highly skeptical about another group of big band era wannabes. To my surprise, I found myself sitting with my car in park having to just hear one more song, until I had reached the hidden a cappella version of “Blue Moon” at the end of the disc. The three beauties from the Great White North had swept me off my feet and back in time. These girls make me want to be a G.I. Continue Reading »
Popularity: 3% [?]
Stepford Holds Up a Mirror to Modern Society
By Leslie J. Thompson
The gentleman in the white tuxedo jacket offers his hand to the woman at his side. She takes it demurely, and they step onto the dance floor. As the first notes of a waltz rise into the air, he twirls her around so that the buttery yellow skirt of her ball gown spreads into a full circle. The fitted bodice of her dress shows off her delicate waistline, and she throws her head back in delight, her smile beaming toward the heavens. She is every inch a lady.
But it’s not real. It can’t be. And if you want to live this way, there is something terribly, terribly wrong with you. Continue Reading »
Popularity: 3% [?]
Cocktails with Cole Porter
Review by Will “The Thrill” Viharo
In tandem with the recent Cole Porter biopic De-Lovely, the latest release under the Ultra Lounge banner, Cocktails with Cole Porter (EMI Capitol), collects classic Porter tunes both previously released and new to the series, which is indeed “the greatest music in Earth!” Of course, this CD is a much more accomplished and authentic representation of the composer icon’s extensive and influential library than the film’s actual soundtrack. Here we have perfect Porter interpretations by the singers who really knew the music, not the tepid, screeching, limited-ranged Elvis-come-latelys crowing these gorgeous romantic standards for modern day, rock-conscious consumption. Continue Reading »
Popularity: 3% [?]
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