Customer Reviews

Vintage Slide Collections From Seattle 1

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

 

 

Free Williamsburg was one of the first places that embraced the Trachtenburg Family in New York City. That was before most of the deadbeat magazines in the city caught up. Their original family act had its beginnings in Seattle. The conceit is that they write songs about old discarded slide collections. Jason Trachtenburg writes most of the songs and does most of the playing. On their live shows Tina controls the slide projector. Their 9-year old daughter plays drums and sings. On the album they have some friends play with them to give their songs a fuller sound. Most of their songs are satire based on family trips. Some of their other songs have to do with corporations and marketing. Most of their lyrics come directly from these slides used in meetings. The best song as a song is "Eggs." They include a slideshow on the CD of "Mountain Trip To Japan, 1959." There are also some slides included in the booklet to give you a taste of what they do. But it all leads to the live performance. This is funny stuff.

(www.freewilliamsburg.com)

OK, I'm biased, I've seen them in concert, and had to own this CD! If you're not familar with them- they are a real family act- The Dad sings and plays keyboards and guitar, the Mom projects vintage slides from the 50's and 60's, (which they sing songs about) and get this.... their 9 year old daughter Rachel plays drums and sings!!! Trust me, you will never see a more unique or musical show anywhere. This CD has a good collection of their catchy pop infused songs, and it also has a multimedia slideshow your pop in your computer to see 2 songs and the same slideshow they project live. "Mountain Trip To Japan" is hilarious and has great musical hooks. "Eggs" is extremely fun as well. I first saw them on Conan O'brien, and couldn't believe what I was seeing! It was the most exciting television I have seen in a decade, and while the CD is no replacement for seeing the Trachtenburgs live- it is the next best thing and this way you are familar with the songs when they finally come to your town. Highly reccomended.

I was lured into buying this album because of how quirky and strangely disturbing the video for "Mountain Trip..." was. A "family" singing a vaudevillian-style ditty about public executions in post-WWII Japan is certainly unique and funny, but hearing it on CD just doesn't do it justice. That's pretty much the problem with the rest of the album.

Despite the "stories" within each song being very humorous, the whole package just doesn't work because we're only getting half of the presentation. It's not as much the music as it is the experience and an experience this odd deserves more than a CD job. A DVD companion is a must for this goofy concept album.

Speaking as someone who didn't discover them by seeing the live show, I can say I think the band works in all levels. There's a feel good feeling of the melodies, the not-so-subtle political critic, the lovely kid voice of the daughter turned drummer and the general fun approach to music. This is original, interesting and should be seen as a step outside traditional music, which is very much welcome and appreciated. At least by people who are tired of hearing the same pop crap on the radio. I wish they'd come to Brazil so I could see them live.

This is where a public forum for writing reviews goes horibly wrong. I met the Trachtenburgs at a folk festival in Canada only two days ago. To the person who called Jason over-bearing and egotistical, the whole slideshow band was basically Tina's idea and I don't think he's forced anyone on stage. He is an excellent entertainer and very kind and humble compared to most artists I've met.
And I'm not sure why someone whould say they're not a real family. They're a family.
They are warm, friendly people who successfully show us that music can be fun and entertaining without egos or boring 2 minute solos.
And to everyone else that says they're no good because they're different, maybe you're just afraid of creativity. My advice to you is to stick to Nickleback and you'll be completely safe.
While it is true that the CD can't compare to seeing them live, the Trachtenburgs CD is delightful and anyone who listens to the Danielson Famile, Why? or other such bands will love them.

The Trachtenburg Family is a 'family' in the same contrived way that the White Stripes are, but look past the little white lie and give them a listen. Even though the CD doesn't do justice to their live show, it's one of the more unique albums I've heard in sometime. Start liking this group before everyone else does so you can say "I told you so," even though MTV did try to get them some exposure. And honestly, any time a 9 year old is involved in any creative venture, it's just so damn cute!

This cd is brilliant. The concept is brilliant! And this family knows how to make fun music. I can't wait to see them perform next month!

This is a really unique cd. I too have seen the live show which is beyond words.While nothing compares to live,this is pretty close - and you don't have to leave your house. The Opnad Suite is just brilliant and the different musical styles - Rock,Pop,Gospel are wonderful and never get boring. Eggs is also a great track with a great hook. The slideshows are terrific. I advise everyone who likes to have some fun and likes intelligent pop music to check this out!

I don't think this cd stands on its own out of context of the live slideshow. The father's voice is a little hard to take after 1-2 tracks. It's more entertaining visually and when the songs are in context of the slideshow. I have to say, I think the concept is actually the best part of this. I saw them live recently and it's ok, but the father is particularly annoying, rambling on and on.