Customer Reviews

Alien Fashion Show

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was introduced to Alien Fashion Show late one night in the summer of 1998 when a public access channel that runs off-the-mainstream music videos was airing this almost surreal futuristiic lounge trip. This was in the midst of that trendy swing revival when everyone and their kid brother went out and bought a fedora at the JC Penny and started raiding vintage clothing stores, jumping on a bandwagon spearheaded by the indie movie "Swingers". As a youngster in this time, I was brought up in a house that played Sinatra, Dean Martin, Louis Prima, etc. and I was enjoying the whole scene - but then came "Alien Fahsion Show." As soon as I saw the video I went to - gasp - a Wherehouse and was able to find the CD of the video I saw at 3 a.m. It was unlike anything I had heard of recent swing acts - and yet, it combined all of the good elements of the neo-swing movement with a touch of something that wasn't too big - moody fantasy. You can see the neon blues soothing the smoke-filled lounge as the music sneaks in, slowly attacking and taking you over. From smoother sounds to a more in-your-face big-band pow, A.F.S pours it on thick begs you for more. For two years I've been spinning this disc, and for two years I've anticipated and searched high-and-low for a sophomore follow-up. WHERE DID THESE GUYS GO? A popularity with them never really caught on. They'd better have a great album in the works for this year or next, because even if the trendy swingers of '98 have all turned in their zoots for red "disciple of Fred Durst" hats - Alien Fashion show always has staying power in my book.

I had never heard of this band until a last minute cancellation forced my employer to hire them for a gig at our college. These guys were flat-out awesome. I quickly got the album and all I can say is this is the first "swing" band album that has the grace of Sting, the edge of Setzer, and that catchy lyrics of Crenshaw. It is also the first I wanted to listen to from beginning to end, over and over.

Get on the spaceship--Alien Fashion show rocks the galaxy.

A band you must see LIVE! I saw them in Santa Rosa, California when they were touring w/ Brian Setzer! They opened the show w/ #15 on the CD and it was dark and all you could hear was the snapping of fingers to the beat. The lights progressively illuminated and there on the stage was a group I had never heard of in my life! This band was fronted by a man who could sing as if life was fun and God had given him a soulful gift. My God could he sing! Now, do not get me wrong, the band was better than excellent, to the point that one could not be without the other! I did not want them to leave the stage, I was there to see the Headliner but...... Alien Fashion Show is the real deal, whether it is SWING or other music genres these guys really play from the HEART. Please know that a second CD is in very hot demand and we in Chico would love to see you sometime soon if we are not too small of a venue!! Alan

This album keeps the listner's attention. I've enjoyed every song save one, Oak Tree. The music is fun and energized. The cover of Roxanne (in my humble opinion) is better than the original. Bad Serephim is my personal favorite. You can not go wrong on this one.

There are some great dance tunes on this disc. The lead singer's voice is soulful; lyrics are deep and wonderful. Stop and listen to the words if you can stop tapping your toes. I love these guys. When are they coming to your town? When is their next album release?

Alien Fashion Show is one of the best bands to come out of the whole revival of swing music. Their sound is fresh and upbeat, unlike the majority of other bands in the contemporary swing genre. If you like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy or Brian Setzer Orchestra, but dislike the other bands which all have that same, boring sound, then Alien Fashion Show will not disappoint!

I had the pleasure of standing in the middle of the great music the cats in AFS played and singing the tunes. It's been a long time coming, but we recently got back together for a weekend of rehearsal in Los Angeles and it was a GAS. There won't be a lot of AFS shows in the future because of member logistics, but we are preparing to play for the 2011 Running of the Bulls celebration in Pamplona, Spain, & a few CA shows in the near future. Since we don't own the rights to the recordings on the Surfdog/Hollywood Records 1998 release, we can't reproduce the CD, but have plans to re-record some of the tunes off that album, add a few new tracks and make it available to the public. Stay tuned & thank you for your kind words & support.

Eldon
Alien Fashion Show