Hardcore JuJu

Babaloo

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 1, 1999)
• Original Release Date: May 1, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Butchers Ghost
• ASIN: B00000J70A
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #529,207 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #51 in

  Music > Indie Music > New Age > World Dance

Editorial Reviews

Label Comments

Just what is 'punk mambo-hardcore juju'? According to Babaloo, a Boston based 7-member band, it's a wild mix of ju-ju, cha cha, reggae, meringue, ska, calypso and samba. After seeing them at the Lion's Den on Saturday, January 23rd, I'd have to say it's like nothing I've heard before. The music is not played too loud, and really sounds neither punk nor hardcore, in the sense you would think. Mostly, people dance. In fact, most of the audience got up to dance when they came on.

In addition to guitars, drums, and bass, Babaloo uses congas, trumpets, kazoos, whistles, and about a half dozen other non-traditional instruments. Many of the songs are sung in different languages like Portuguese, French, and Spanish. The result is eclectic rhythm that makes it almost impossible to sit still. Babaloo's energetic lead singer, who would be fun to watch even on TV with the sound turned off, shakes a custom, plastic bottle maraca during most of Babaloo's very original songs that he writes.

Check out their web site where you can hear sound clips from their disc and check future show dates. Babaloo members include, B, La Zik, Smith Crankshaft, El Gallo, Pongo Jankowitz, Slim Goodbody, and Peter Pants. The band is mostly known around the Boston area, but they do a few NYC shows. They won last year's Best Local World Music award in Boston and had a few songs in movies (Next stop wonderland, starving artist). Many of the great songs are slated to be on the next CD, hardcore juju, due out in May, 99. Can't wait.

Product Description

Many instruments including congas, kazoos, trumpets and plastic bottles add to the dance hall world sounds and create a boogaloo, bossa nova, reggae, hula, hardcore juju sound that's hard to mistake for someone else, and hard to sit down to. Languages include Spanish, French, Portuguese, English, Swahili, and Arabic.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is smart, sophisticated music., July 6, 1999

By A Customer

I happened upon this group quite by accident in a bar in New York. They appeared to be a fun band with a great groove so I bought their Hardcore Juju CD. This album is GREAT!! I listen to it all the time. Although the music at first seems fun and simple, further listening reveals layers of rhythm and musical harmony that betray an exceptional knowledge of musical composition. This is a band with a future.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The experience of Babaloo in a great sounding package!!, June 30, 1999

By A Customer

Hardcore Juju is Babaloo's second CD, and I loved the first, Punk Mambo!, but this truly captures the energy, talent and excitement that IS Babaloo. The money and time spent on this CD is evident, everytime I listen to it (which is frequent!) I hear a new sound or voice I didn't catch before. Each member of the band is showcased in some way, from Unca B, the charming silly French lead singer, to Smith Crankshaft the AWESOME lone girl in the band who plays guitar and sings lead on 2 songs here. My favorite song changes daily, but all are great and have something original in them. I love "Ichiban," written by B and Smith - a gorgeous song, with a strong story and sweet vocals from both. "Cherry Yo-yo" is fun and different, and "Pepe" makes me and my friends laugh every time. If everyone could check Babaloo out live, they would be instant fans, but Hardcore Juju is great for those who can't. It captures the talent, positivity and frentic energy that IS Babaloo. I am lucky enough to see them regularly and to have gotten to know them over the past two years, they are good people along with being great musicians. But my LOVE of the music comes from an unbiased place in me. A place that loves to dance and knows something good when I stumble across it. Hardcore Juju is better than most!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an up and at 'em, jump up, groovy, dancelicious CD!!, June 21, 1999

By A Customer

Hardcore JuJu by Babaloo is one of the greatest CDs that I have bought this year! Babaloo's music is fun and fresh and it really makes you want to dance! I recommend this CD to anyone and everyone who likes great music!