Customer Reviews

It's not the MOMA

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

 

 

While the horns are good, I believe it is the percusive genius of Idiots drummer, Rosenberg, that gives the band its punch. Whatch out Tommy Lee, Rosenberg is on your tail!

Grinning Idiots hit the ground running with their debut album "It's not the MOMA". With style, flair, and much more than a little technical ability, this is a band that any funk, blues, or jazz lover should take a few minutes to try out the online samples. What do the Grinning Idiots sound like? I could compare them to little heard of bands like Strangewood (for lyrics, use of brass, and vocal styling), The Book (for good use of retro 60's pop) or Dog Society (vocal styling), but few of you have heard of those bands. So what comparisons can be made which would be of use to the vast majority of you? Imagine the alternative/pop band Cake with better vocals and a real horn line. If that doesn't work for you, imagine the early albums from Chicago, if Chicago had spent a little less effort being technically accurate and a little more effort trying to be hip. The general feel of the band is somewhat eclectic. A wide variety of styles are merged by vocals, guitars, and horns, ranging from elements of Cream, The Beatles, and James Brown. Although this might sound like a psychotic cacophony of styles, it blends well into a sound which is smooth yet full of life. Those of you who enjoy the early works of Chicago and enjoy modern bands like Cake or Beck are likely to enjoy the blend of sounds that Grinning Idiots provide. To the very few of you who are familiar with the works of Stangewood, I say: Buy this album! It is fun. It is funky. It is good.

Daniel Sanford Freelance Reviewer

The drum grooves of the Idiots' Greg Rosenberg are outstanding... top notch, and highly contagious. Who knew such a little man can put out such a powerful beat.

This is a great debut album that is fun to listen to and really grooves! I don't know how to classify the sound - there's a hot horn section, great vocals, a drummer that is cute as a button, and great guitar. My favorite songs are "Today" and "Screw Loose". If you like Cake, Squirrel Nut Zippers, or Lawsuit - you owe it to yourself to buy this album. Also, if you get a chance to see Grinning Idiots live, they are a stylin', high energy, talented, groovy, professional band.

This is a surprisingly sophisticated first album. As I listened, I heard a mellow blend of Save Ferris, Reel Big Fish, older Tower of Power, and some undertones of Steely Dan syncopations (esp. on "Halo"). Unfortunately this album is probably too intelligent to be a huge popular success. Perhaps the next effort can be a little more repetitious for a wider appeal.(;-P) I found the entire album very easy to listen to. A first rate collection of tunes, with a wide variety of styles.