Customer Reviews

Cooking With Lasers

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Perhaps the most fearful aspect of the music industry if you are a musician in a band is the sophomore slump. The most difficult part, however, is establishing credibility as a band on your debut album. There is a plethora of ways to do that. Of course the quality of the musical content is the most vital part, but a catchy name that people (at least those of us who have seen "Beetlejuice") can associate with doesn't hurt either. The Baldwin Brothers " Cooking with Lasers" validates those points.

The quartet takes on an ambiguous role as songwriters. Although, the renaissance of electronic music in pop culture has been overwhelming in the past decade, few bands have been able to grasp the art of songwriting to complement their music. The Baldwin Brothers have done just that. By combining elements of house, funk, pop, chill-out and do I dare say jazz, The Baldwin Brothers have created an album that gets better track by track. Fortunately for The Baldwin Brothers, they have had the opportunity to be able to incorporate other musicians and instrumentations into their project and have taken the time to produce an album that caters not only to their needs, but most importantly the listeners needs.

Not only will "Cooking with Lasers" affect your chromosomes, it will have your feet tapping and head bobbing the whole way through.

That basically sums up this very impressive debut from The Baldwin Brothers (No, not those Baldwin Brothers...). Cookin' with Lasers is so funky that you'll have to air out your house, apartment, office or car after you play it--and I mean that literally! Reminiscent of acts such as Prince and the Revolution, George Clinton, Jamiroquai and 45 Dip, The Baldwin Brothers really deliver the dam to the river when it comes to acid jazz--that is, if you can even begin to put them in that category. Indeed, these very, very ecclectic and talented guys' unique style encompasses neo-swang (track 2 & 14), acid-rock (track 1 & 4), organic-gararge-funk (tracks 7 & 9), bossa-space-lounge (track 5 & 11), 80s retro-pop (track 8 & 12), and very cheesy popcorn-rap (tracks 3 & 10). The reviews on Cookin' with Lasers have been mixed, but all in all, it is a very daring and adventurous CD from a group of guys who obviously aren't afraid to mix various genres of music with an uncanny finesse that I have yet to see done with any of those other acid-lounge acts.

For those of you that know of nothing beyond "Moby" in the area of electronica/dance music - this is a great, non-intimidating album to try out.
The Baldwins are at their best with the instrumental groove - songs like "Funky Junkyard" and "That's Right" use amusing source material along with non-annoying beats and rhythms. You'll be sure to tap your toes along with 70's inspired tracks like "Lava Lamp" and "Viva Kneivel."
Their sense of humor shows up in their pop culture references - from samples of "Sanford & Son" to the Judy Bloom inspired title "Are you there Margaret? It's me God" - you get the sense that these guys are having a good time making their music.
Their downfall is in the more structured songs. While the guest vocalists do their best to add some gravitas to the compositions such as "Ether" or "Dream Girl" - it's still the area of creativity where the Baldwins aren't quite comfortable yet. I expect further growth in song development on their next album. These guys are ones to watch.

I have heard these guys play live in Chicago several times and always have a great time. I must admit that I was a little fearful that, like many good bands, the studio recording would not capture the energy and excitement that they generate on stage. After hearing Cooking With Lasers, I can't believe I ever doubted the Brothers - it is simply an amazing record! It is apparent that they went to great lengths to create a unique, original recording that goes above and beyond what they are able to accomplish live. Thank you!

Not long ago I picked up a game for Playstation called Amplitude, which contains the song "Urban Tumbleweed". The song quickly became one of my favorites surpassing rock solid bands like Weezer, Blink-182, and David Bowie.

I had to know who was behind this song. Looking it up online I found the band and began to listen to their songs. I've been hooked since.

There's only one word that describes the Baldwin Brothers' sound. Infectious. From the first moment of "That's Right" to the end of the album you will be tapping your toes and wishing you had a funky dance party somewhere nearby.

Solid hits like "Bionic Jam", "Dream Girl", and "Urban Tumbleweed" will be stuck in your head and will keep you humming for days.

A caution, those who are only looking for sophisticated music will be dissapointed, but those who want a fun album that has beats that get you movin will be more than pleased.

In summary it's a funky album with a daring variety and incredible dancability (not a word).

Fun music to dance to and these guys put on a good show! I enjoy the hit "Dream Girl." The music has a pounding beat that never stops, excellent keyboard and bass work, and it's all very upbeat and well...happy, in a really groovy way. "Bionic Jam" is pretty hilarious.

Don't get me wrong, I like a good intellectual band. But sometimes, I just want to have a good time.
Enter The Baldwin Brothers and their perfect party music. Electronic fused bossa nova, loungy beats... I love 'em!

The Baldwin Brothers have hit pure funkatronic gold on their first try. Cooking With Lasers features great-sounding rhodes play layered on top of simply magificent bass, drums, and turntables. From the opening track, which seems almost autobiographical in nature ("'What are the instruments in your group?' 'Bass drum...'") To the wonderfully up Deep Down, the entire album will have you groovin' like you never thought possible. Special Guest singers and wonderfully tongue-in-cheek samples (Sanford & Sons, The Six-Million Dollar Man) complete the experience. If you don't own this album, you're not truely funky.

to get straight to the point. this album sounds just as good then as it does now. not only is the album solid from start to finish, it has immense replay value. a must buy.

And what I mean by that is you HAVE to see them live to get into the infectious groove they produce. Their live sets bring about more pop in the bass pops, more groooves in the moog synthisizer solos, the rhythm snaps and pounds more and the mix scratching slices you up into rhythmic ribbons... I saw a show at a bar in W. Division in Chicago last year and EVERYONE had their head bobbing like the club was filled with human-sized bobbleheads. The CD is only a snapshot in a studio. See them live. Have a drink. Groove and set your soul to Funk and your body to Nasty.