Customer Reviews

Contender

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've always loved swing music and RCR is one of my favorite bands. There is no end of fun to their music; every song is distinctive and high-energy. They evoke one of my favorite eras with the 1940s musical vibe and the name-dropping of such celebs as Marlon Brando ("Walkin' Like Brando") and Bettie Page ("Port-Au-Prince", a favorite). I have CDs by several well-known swing bands, and Royal Crown Revue - specifically "The Contender" - is the one I always come back to.

Nice album. Great beats, good energy and and nice crisp original sound. This type of swing music, is great to play at parties, from start to finish.

These guys sounds like a modern rendition of the old swing bands from the 30's and 40's. If you are open to hearing something different, that has a pulse, I would strong recommend this album.

Also, if you like this album, check out Royal Crown Revue's previous album, "Mugzy's Move". A great album as well.

If you loved everything prior to this album you will the contender. RCR puts together amazing expert jazz musicianship with the cool lyrics. Best track is travels with Betty Page. Dedicated to my favorite Pin-Up queen.

Listening to The Contender conjures images of smoky boxing gyms and humid nights, some where in the tropics. A smooth album, but with tracks that have that distinctive RCR sound (and speed). Its a bit slower than the live album 'caught in the act' however it will not dissapoint. Grab a cold beer, perhaps even a good red wine, sit outside on a summers night and enjoy.

This album is truly one of the best. The Royal Crown Revue has made "The Contender" a true swing masterpiece!! fast paced songs like two of my favorites" Walkin like Brando" and "The Contender" down to the best kickback song they have ever made "Stormy weather". This album is truly a winner!!!

I liked this CD, except that this wasn't as good as the previous album. Still, I think it's worth listening...

Some great swing music - You like jazz? or the sub-genre swing? Then you will love this disc. Some great tracks, that force you to start shaking the booty.

Royal Crown Review is a lcoal Los Angeles swing combo(fronted by crooner Eddie Nichols), that doesn't nessicarily stick to swing. It is not uncommon to hear Nichols singing an Elvis Presley cover, or the band playing a Dizzie Gillespie tune or a rockabilly song. Nichols writes original that sound like "Gangster 40's" he also revives 40's tunes like Stormy Waether and 50's lounge covers like Beyond The Sea, and even r&b tunes like Walk Right In(The Walking Blues). This cd is the most mature the band has ever recorded. It has mostyl originals that do swing, and a revival of Lena Horne's 40's hit "Stormy Waether" but done with a Louis Prima 50's Las Vegas lounge sounding r&b shuffle rhythm(perfect for dancing). This cd also has "Salt Peanuts" a bebop jazz cover, and a Zip Gun Bop reamke. Great cd, great short solos, and smooth as ever vocals. Tight band tight cd.

The Contender is the Royal Crown Revue's very solid followup to Mugzy's Move. Although there isn't anything as strong as "Hey Pachuco" or "Mugzy's Move", the songs are all very good. This is more of a traditional swing album. One of the first things you notice about The Contender is the increased backing vocals from the band which really works on more traditional swing like "Morning Light", "Walkin' Like Brando", and their excellent cover of "Stormy Weather". The faster tracks such as "Big Boss Lee", "Work Baby Work" and the title track do an excellent job of showcasing the stellar musicianship of the band. There are also some great slower tracks here like "Friday The 13th" and "Everyone Knows You're Crazy" and the very jazzy instrumental "Deadly Nightcall". While the songs aren't nearly as memorable as Mugzy's Move, everything here is good and it's definitely worth checking out.

great to dance to. Fast, wonderful vocals and insturmentals. A little jazzy, but it grows on you fast. I love it