Customer Reviews

Battery Milk

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

 

 

Saw them live last night and picked up the disk. These guys have chops up the ying-yang and could hold their own, I'm sure, in any straightahead jazz setting. But somehow they've retained a punk ethos of anger and expression and no-rules flight. It's blatantly, blissfully, non-commercial. Get inside Dillon's head; you may not like everything you see there but you'll certainly enjoy the trip. If you like jazz, drumming, percussion, punk, vibraphone, great bass playing, or music that defies classification, check this out. Great stuff.

I'd probably rate this product 3-1/2 stars, but I'll give Mike Dillon's Go Go Jungle the benefit of the doubt based on the live performance I saw.

I bought this CD on the heals of a live performance I saw of Mike Dillon opening for Charlie Hunter. Mike Dillon's group was a trio (minus the sax heard hear). I was so impressed that I bought this CD, but I found it a bit disappointing.

This CD has its bright spots, most of which are the up-tempo numbers that are littered throughout. I think the highlights are at the beginning of the CD, which starts out strong. The saxophone on the CD is great (didn't see him live) and the drummer is definitely a master at his trade (live and on the CD). What I found a bit disappointing is that live, Mike Dillon's vibraphone work often stole the show, but on the CD it feels a bit muted at times and more often than not takes the back seat to the drums and saxophone. It's too bad because as a trio live, there was a definite balance between the drums and vibraphone that was just grand. Of course the subdued vibraphone allows the drummer to really shine, and that just might be by design. I'm not sure I've ever heard or seen a drummer with that much talent. I also have to point out that there are a couple of songs that really do fit a punk mold. I don't think they are bad, as I take these songs as a challenge. Afterall, it is the extraordinary that makes the best jazz standout.

Really, this CD shows the limitation in the jazz world between live and studio recordings. As is often the case, there is an energy to a live performance that gets lost in the studio. As jazz artists, there is definitely a rush in playing for an audience. This Mike Dillon CD isn't the first I've felt that lackluster energy.

As such, this CD is just not a 5 star release. Last but not least, I have to knock this CD for the song, "Bad Man". The subject matter doesn't bother me; it's an anti-Bush song. Rather, I really dislike having to hear G.W.'s voice as the backing vocals on the song. I hate listening to our president as it is; the last thing I want to do is listen to his voice for entertainment purposes. I guarantee this song will never grow on me, which is why this CD is really a 3-1/2 star release.

Mike Dillon has been a mainstay in my music collection for over a decade. His work with Critters Buggin, Les Claypool, Malachy Papers and many other artists has proved he has staying power.

Battery Milk is nothing short of amazing. But if nothing else, make sure you see him perform live. The energy he and the other members of the band put into a show is simply amazing.