Customer Reviews

Drums Along the Hudson

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Bongos were among the first artists to skitter across the Hudson to the (then) more reasonably priced enclave of Hoboken, NJ. They recorded and released a number of singles and EPs on Fetish, compiled here on an album originally released by PVC.

Richard Barone is the group's focal point, as its primary songwriter and lead vocalist, but they really play as a group. Nervous pop, ala the Feelies, but with a lyrical and melodic outlook more akin to T-Rex.

Their later move to RCA produced some more good music (e.g., "Numbers With Wings"), but it didn't have quite the same feeling of need (that is, need to get this music out) that these first recordings do.

Most of their output was reissued by Razor & Tie for a time, though this import seems to be all that's left.

This is a great CD from the Bongos, but if you're a hard-core fan looking for bonus tracks be aware that the import (on the Line label, 1991) only has 15 tracks, not 16 as Amazon has listed. "Nuts And Bolts" is on the U.S. CD (1992, Razor & Tie) but not on the import.

Or ferry cross the Hudson in this case. Whether or not you appreciate the live material included here or the new reworking of Bulrushes shouldn't be a reason to buy a different release of this classic. If your looking for the best version of the original songs on cd, this is the one to get. The original recordings were mastered for vinyl. This Special Edition has been remixed with a much stronger drum and bass presence. This being somewhat reminiscent to Cream's recordings where the bass and drums are given equal weight to the guitars and vocals. Certain Harbours (a unique mix of improv jazz and pop music), sounds better here than ever, and is right at home followed by Mingus or Coltrane's later experimental stuff. Not many pop bands have bridged that gap. This one did.

The Bongos beat thier way out of the East coast punk/new wave scene in the early 80's and released a couple of quirky albums, of which this was the first. Imagine Television and the Modern Lovers by way of the Beatles and Syd Barett, and that gives you a blueprint for the Bongos sound. Standout tracks include 'The Bullrushes", "In The Congo", and a perky cover of T. Rex's "Mambo Sun". Note: singer Richard Barone's solo albums are worth seeking out, if you enjoy this release.

I had this on vinyl back in the early 80's and was happy to see it re-released on CD. The Bongos made a sparkling brand of power pop/new wave that lay somewhere between fellow New Jersey band the Feelies and Big Star. The new edition sounds great and comes with a brace of live tracks, that while nothing special, are pretty entertaining. The Bongos went on to release a pretty good EP (Numbers With Wings) and a follow up album (Beat Hotel) that failed to follow up on DRUMS ACROSS THE HUDSON due to overproduction and fewer top notch songs. 4 and 1/2 *'s.

This is a great CD from the Bongos. If you're a hard-core fan looking for bonus tracks be aware that the import (on the Line label, 1991) only has 15 tracks, not 16 as Amazon has listed. "Nuts And Bolts" is on this version, the 1992 U.S. CD, but not on the import. Razor & Tie does their usual superb job with this reissue, including excellent sound and an 8-page booklet with lyrics and photos.

Once in a while you will hear an album that provides such a unique and brilliant listening experience you want to go to the top of your roof and scream for the whole world to buy this CD and share the excitement. Drums Along The Hudson qualifies as one of these special albums and like, Psychocandy, Ocean Rain(not debut, but an album that captures the bands essence), Quick Step And Sidekick, Germ Free Adolescents, Entertainment!, Can You Fly?, D Is For Dumptruck, Mellow

Gold and the Violent Femmes debut all seem to be created in a vacuum. These CD's are completely original works that become classics. The artist is never is able to capture this magic again. Not to say they never make good albums again, but they are unable to capture the excitement that made their debut so special. Drums Along The Hudson is such an album. Each song is a short burst of excitement. The subject matter is surreal. Taking you into a world you will never experience unless you are listening to the CD, but one that is fascinating and much cooler than the real one. The Bongos may have continued to write hook filled material, but they will never make another CD as awesome as this one. You can listen all the way through being taken into another world that is truly wonderful. A true masterpiece.

Even after 17 years I still love playing this CD. The music is simple, but the trio has a full and harmounous sound. Lyrics are simple yet clever.

I wish I still had the original Album the my EX wife threw out.

This was actually released in 81 or 82. I had the cassette back then but had lost it over the years. A great album, but never got its due. Particularly Zebra Club and Mambo Sun. I remember seeing the band at the HUB, and my wife-to-be took the set list off of the stage. Gone but not lost forever!

I originally had the Album when it came out in the '80's. I still enjoy the simplicity of this CD. The songs are short and simple without a lot of studio production. Barone's lyrics are strong without being pretentious. This CD along with Numbers With Wings is something we should all have in our CD collections.