Customer Reviews

Super Ball

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Having heard the Iguanas song "Boom Boom Boom" on NBC's "Homicide: Life on the Street," I embarked on a quest to find an album by the Iguanas at stores. Dissapointedly, I found only 'Super Ball', which didn't feature "Boom Boom Boom." (which is on their second album, 'Nuevos Boogaloo') Despite this, I bought the album anyway and was not dissapointed. The Iguanas seem to be the penultimate dance band, featuring rock, blues, cajun, and alternative music. The music itself is eclectic, not falling into the trappings of relying on one style to get them through the album. Although it's a shame that no translation is provided in the liner notes for songs like "Mil Demonios," which is sung entirely in Spanish, this doesn't detract from the album. I can say no one song on the album is "the best" simply because they all rock. Rod Hodges' accordian playing is a nice feature on songs like "Benny's Cadillac" and on other songs, like "Help Myself." Their twin barrel sax sound, accomplished by Derek Huston and Joe Cabral, paves the way on other songs like "Is This Love?" In general, I have to say it's a shame the Iguanas haven't received more exposure outside of soundtrack stuff they've done (they're also featured on 'Phenomenon' with "Para Donde Vas"), because this band truly rocks.

If you ever visit New Orleans, make it a point to schedule your trip when the Iguanas are back in town and playing at the lound and lively Rock N Bowl. You won't be sorry. The House of Blues has all the money and all that jive, Tipitina's is too far uptown...hit the Rock N Bowl and let your backbone slip. Get Stella out there on the dancefloor and watch her groove come back. Like many another complaining Iguanas fan, I can't get copies of their first and second CDs since I left the Gulf, and their 4th CD is only available if you know who to call with the right passwords. A band this good needs better marketing. Music fans shouldn't have to look this hard to find music this good.

This band is definitely one of the best "undiscovered" bands around -- they've got four albums out, but the first two are no longer available. I saw them live once when they were touring a few months ago. This album in particular is excellent -- if you like the sax you'll dig this band!!! Give it a whirl!! If you want more than a few seconds of real audio go to liveconcerts.com -- they have a 90+ minute concert on there!!

At the time it was released, Super Ball was a disappointment comercially. And for some Iguanas fans it was so-so artistically. BUT ... hindsight has given this CD its long overdue, well, due. It spawned songs like "Benny's Cadillac" that remain live staples to this day. Heck, I think I heard the band play "Rock Star" last month. Perhaps Super Ball will remain the "transitional" album between the clearly great debut and Nuevo Boogaloo in the beginning and the band's latter day releases Sugar Town and Plastic Electric 9 Volt Heart. It's a keeper nonetheless.

So, super ball kinda grows on you until it becomes one of your fav albums. It's not hard to listen to the first couple of times either.

Those looking for old "out-of-print" Iguana's scoot over to iTunes. They have "Iguanas" and "Nuevo Boogaloo", their first two. These do not disappoint!

For those thinking this band has peaked and their recent stuff pales, check out "Iguanas: Live at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival" from 2006. They still have their groove on!

Great music, great rhythms. If you don't get to see these guys live, this is the next best thing. If anyone know where I can get the first two CD's in the collection, please let me know.

The Iguanas are a little known band, but they truly rock. With their latin rythms, Spanish lyrics, and Blues style, it's like being at an outdoor concert in New Orleans. Super Ball continues the great tradition of humor and realism with songs like "So Tired". They sum up relationships with lyrics like "If you stay, we're gonna fuss and fight, but if you go, I'll lay awake all night." Who hasn't been there?

This is a wonderful CD that everyone should have in their music collection. You will listen to it again and again for a long time to come. "Rock Star, Lupita, I Moved Too Slow, etc." are some of the best music I've ever heard. This was their third album, their 4th album is now out and is also fantastic.

Good music from a great bar band. Saw them live last year in Virginia and though they were tired, they put on a great show. If you ever see their first CD out there...BUY IT! It is a perfect CD. Every song is a charm and they easily move from lovely south of the border melodies and rhythms to Texas twang. I think though that the quality of material has prgressively dropped off with each new CD. What are we up to now? 4? Sugartown I thought was dissapointing considering the heat on the that first one.

Anne Rice's Iguanas.... After the first two albums this is depressing. The first two albums are solid 4 star and "Sugar Town" is a return to something familiar. Maybe they are casting out the demons of Margartiaville here?