Customer Reviews

Too Much Fun!

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

 

 

There's not much to add to the previous reviews, but old-time Rounders fans should know this is Steve Weber's strongest outing in decades. Stampfel and Reisch are in fine form too, but Weber really shines. After all these years, it's great to have him back and sounding so good.

This is crazy, good-natured fun. Recommended.

Rounders addicts will need no coaxing to purchase this, their best music since the legendary Prestige recordings of the early '60s. For the rest of you, get those first (now available on one import CD). Then buy this one.

It's utterly delightful and mad music which taps deeply into the same wellspring of weirdness and joy found in the Harry Smith Anthology, Captain Beefheart or Charles Ives.

More alt. than alt.country, more American than Americana. . .Let the Rounders bend your brain.

The Holy Modal Rounders are back! Returning to the near form of their first two Prestige releases, the Rounders have put together a joyous set of exuberant, foot-stomping revelry. Still interpreting music with one foot in tradition and the other (we're assuming they have two feet) in their own universe, the Modals are modestly transporting us to their reverent yet fun-filled world. Borrowing and updating from the first two classic albums; Euphoria, Sail Away Ladies and Crowley Waltz, plus a few eccentric originals, mixed with renderings of tunes from friends (Robin Remaily and Michael Hurley) and more customary fare from blues, country and old-timey, the pair, with bassist David reisch, still haven't lost the ability to put a smile on your face. When need be, they can play it straight, as in the heart-rendering version of Roy Acuff's Precious Jewel. This record is a very satisfying musical collection of esoterica which comes close to matching the originals in spirit and form. If you want to just kick back and enjoy yourself, you certainly can do no worse than putting this CD in the player.As much as you might, try and stop that grin from appearing after a couple of notes. If you really want to double your pleasure, read the booklet as you listen. Good stuff!

I've read lots of glowing reviews about these guys, but I didn't believe it. So I took a chance, and I love it. Although, at first I wasn't so sure. You see, the playing on the album threw me off. I was expecting something else. But thats the whole point. the banjos and guitars and the vocals all sound off the cuff and spontaneous to me. Its so refreshing to here the fun they're having with "euphoria" and others...they are making classics like the old songs they covet from the harry smith anthology. Its so cool after listening to the polished product that prevails in the market. Let's hope the next album takes less time.... somebody give Peter Stampfel a grant !

A creativity inspiring mix of music and fun - you'll be singing these songs all day long. Weber, Stampfel, and Reisch perform at a strange and wonderful level that was too briefly visited on some previous works. Arguably their best album yet, (except for their Unholy appearance on Have Moicy) from an incredibly long, yet hardly prolific career. It left me wanting to hear more and knowing I wasn't crazy for liking all those other albums.

I have no idea how to review a Rounders disc. There isn't much of a reference space. I suggest people not read the notes and listen simultaneously, you may hurt yourself laughing. What we have is a disc that asks the important musical question "Just what did 'Don't You Rock 'Em Daddyo' mean in the late 19th century?" God bless the Rounders. I can't think of anything else to say.

Better than earlier Rounders albums? Absolutely. In fact, this may be my favorite album of all time. Every single time I hear it, I can't help stomping and hollering along. This after having the album for years! These guys have not an ounce of embarrassment in them, and for that I love them. It's the least pretentious music I've ever heard. I sure hope I have half these guys' energy when I hit 60...

Stampfel Weber and company are true American originals. Among the gems on this new disc area very funny reworking of the classic "Euphoria", a parody of girl group rock (Bad Boy) and the a whooping "John the Revelator" (...he don't conceal, he reveals, better than electric light "). In summary, listening to this music is more fun than "floatin around on a belladonna cloud." And its legal !

Disclaimer; I love the HMRounder Family in all forms (HMR, Michael Hurley, Jeffrey Frederick and Clamtones), but for many years I was content to listen and laugh to the 1976 classic HAVE MOICY! Then I awakened and began exploring all the rest. I have to say my favorites are I MAKE A WISH FOR A POTATO and TOO MUCH FUN! Both are collections of older recordings and remakes and while they overlap and repeat some they are both essential for the tunes they don't share. And while the extended family makes occasional appearance, mostly we get Stampfel and Weber sharing their infectious madness.

These songs make me smile and laugh aloud - poignant, silly, rough and raw, this is music from the heart. I'd recommend the curious start with HAVE MOICY! But the wise shouldn't pass up these new releases.

Usually new albums by the artists you loved 35 years ago are a disappointment. This one was even better than the earlier ones --both the new songs and the new versions of old ones. The "Bad Boys" song is great!