Royal

Amazing Crowns | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 6, 2000)
• Original Release Date: June 6, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Time Bomb
• ASIN: B00004TDOR
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,468 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #55 in Music > Alternative Rock > American Alternative > Psychobilly

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

While the worlds of swing and rockabilly often leave bands with no choice but to sound exactly like each other, it's hard to appreciate a group that appears to be pulling a Dr. Evil on another outfit's mojo. For most of their disc, the Rhode Island-based Amazing Crowns are trying to be the next Reverend Horton Heat or, rather, the current Reverend Horton Heat. "Losing Streak" steals the bridge from "The Devil's Chasing Me," and cuts such as "The Ride," "Perfect Sin," and "Still Royal" have that sound associated with the king of psychobilly. Elsewhere, the disc lapses into retro swing numbers such as "Out the Door." This is extra frustrating because there are a couple of strong pockets that suggest a better band--the garage-flavored "Mr. Fix-It" and the sweet ballad "Flipping Coins." Ultimately, Royal doesn't offer anything but the all too familiar. --Jason Josephes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Punkabilly and more!, June 10, 2000

By 

Frank Carr (Dacula, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Royal (Audio CD)

The sophomore studio release by this punkabilly band shows that they not only know how to generate the rockers, but that they have the ability to put together a ballad or two and integrate other influences into their sound. The style of the songs range from an almost early Elvis sound to the Cramps punk sound to the Bosstones sound with a few twists and turns along the way. While this CD isn't the all the fast-paced frantic sound of their first one (or their live shows), it does demonstrate the talent of the band's current configuration. "King" Kendall's vocals are powerful and strong but he's still able to sing a ballad like "Flipping Coins" with a great feel to it. Guitarist J.D. Burgess has the traditional swing and rockabilly riffs down cold and he gets them to fit well in the punkish songs. Jack Hanlon's upright bass playing makes the group's rhythm thunderous and Judd Williams' drumming fits right into the groove of the songs. Right now it seems that this group is a well kept secret, but if you're into rockabilly, punk, or roots rock, you'll enjoy this CD and you'll enjoy their live show even more.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Please ignore the editorial review above - this album rocks!, October 12, 2000

By 

Mark Rodger-Snelson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Royal (Audio CD)

I quite like the Reverend Horton Heat but I'll have to totally disagree with Jason Josephes review above stating that The Amazing Crowns are trying to be RHH. They don't sound much like them at all except for the rockabilly influence. Personally I like the Amazing Crowns much better than RHH, particularly on this album - I believe that they have really found themselves on 'Royal'. It is much more diverse than their debut album drawing influences from the roots of it all (Elvis, Eddie Cochran and Johnny Cash) with an injection of nitrobilly punk rock that probably owes more to the Cramps than the Rev. But all in all it is a refreshingly original release that rocks hard in places (Mr Fix It, Chop Shop) offers a wonderful ballad (Flipping Coins) and has some brilliant salutes to the roots of rockabilly combined with their own unique style. Kendalls vocals/lyrics are superb, the band is tight, the mix is perfect and there is not one bad song on 'Royal' - they are all great. If you like rock, punk, rockabilly all thrown into a bucket of sweat and grease buy this album - you will not be disappointed.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tight!, August 14, 2001

By 

Michael Badran (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Royal (Audio CD)

If you know what to do with pomade, can look at a nut and know which size wrench to grab, if you agree that real Americans drive American cars, then you probably already have this recording. If you don't have it, get it. These guys are pros and it shows. In a sea of drunkards sportin fake horn rimmed glasses, doin covers of Johnny Cash and Elvis, these guys are an island of originality and the genuine article.