|
Dallas Observer - Scene Heard Volume 3: Even More and Unreleased Tracks
|
|
Rounder Subcompact Disc+ Volume 3
|
|
Holidays
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Fun, chronological journey through our favorite days of the year at 2005-11-22
Playing Time - 53:55 -- When Brave Combo first formed in 1979 in Denton, Texas, they were called a New Wave polka band. However, a quarter century later, theyve proven they are much more. Your hear influences of country, jazz, rock `n roll, surf, blues, Celtic, Tex-Mex, Latin, Klezmer, big band, and salsa in their music. And theres a good measure of the novelty element too. So that explains Brave Combos moniker and cryptic genre, but its really not that baffling. Behind the scenes, I suspect that the band is very serious about their tunes. It shows in their arrangements and musicianship. For us, music is a rather personal thing, and we usually listen to it for enjoyment and stimulation. Holidays! succeeds because theres something for everyone. Brave Combos prime directive is to break down peoples perceptions about whats cool to like in music.... to shake up peoples ideas about what they label hip, or right or wrong. They also say that acceptance of polka and other dance rhythms can help bring about world peace. If people start dancing together, theyll also learn to respect each others cultures too. So put your inhibitions and restraints aside...Get up and cut a rug. Holidays! gives us a fun, chronological journey through our favorite days of the year. They begin with Auld Lang Syne and New Years Polka, then take us through 19 cuts to Mambo in a Brand New Year. But what happened to Martin Luther King Day in January? Thats one of my favorite winter days off from work. Hey guys, its not too late to pen a song called MLK Porter, a tribute to the homebrewed beer that was started in a friends garage that day. And where is the tribute to Veterans Day? How P.C. is it to jump right from Halloween (Vampire Twist) to Thanksgiving Day. While definitely eccentric, they have built a legion of fans who like the outlandish with a grooving, danceable beat. Dr. Demento would appreciate them too. The package includes Larry Kings liner notes about making the CD. As producer of the TM Comedy Central Network, he was on the lookout for good original songs that met their criteria for morning radio shows. Brave Combo is Jeffrey Barnes, Alan Emert, Carl Finch, Bubba Hernandez, and Danny OBrien. Guests on Holidays! include Rob Avsharian, Joe Cripps, Milo Deering, and a whole host of background singers. With over a dozen albums out on the Rounder label, Holidays! is a playful phantasm of foolish and often frenetic festivity. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR)
Brave Combo Album Review:
Holiday music, not just for Christmas anymore! at 2005-11-22
When I saw this on a random search for Christmas tunes on Amazon recently, I thought it was another Christmas album by Brave Combo (I saw Santa on the cover and looked no further, plus they had already done the excellent Its Christmas, Man! in 1992). But I ordered it anyway, because well, Ill buy ANYTHING the Brave Combo put out - theyre that good. And I was very pleasantly surprised. It is a holidays album, emphasis on the s, with songs from all year `round, like the swingin Groundhog, Groundhog, the goofy Vampire Twist, and the boppin New Years Polka. Nineteen tracks in all, most of them brilliant - some touching, most funny, and all with the high level of musicianship Ive come to expect from these guys. My only thought is, how will I use this? I cant just put it on around Christmas like other holiday CDs, but instead Ill be pulling it off the shelf throughout the year, one song at a play, for anyone I can get to sit down (or dance around) and listen. I guarantee the kids will be loving Im A Bunny Rabbit at the very least. Pick this up; you wont regret it! And if youre not already a fan, check out all their other releases, incredible fun for your money, always guaranteed to put a smile on your face. (And Im not even a polka fan, I prefer hard rock!) As major band member Carl Finch says in the Editorial Review, Have fun. Stop worrying so much.
|
Box Of Ghosts
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Killer live shows! at 2004-04-16
No Matter What kind of music you are into, there is always room for Brave Combo. If you like dance music, buy ANY of their CDs, if you like pop music, buy The Process, if you are more interested in the classics (done differently) check out Box of Ghosts. Humour pervades their music. High energy is the rule...make every effort to catch one of their live shows, you wont believe your ears. Sadly, no CD can capture what goes on at live shows, so just do it. Go to http://www.brave.com/bo and check out their itinerary. They tour incessantly! I have seen them three times in the last year, all venues within 100 miles.Buy their CDs, see them live, relish their words of wisdom (seriously) online (The Machines Pump). They are getting older and wont be around forever. I am begging you...Do It !!!!
Brave Combo Album Review:
Classical Polka! at 2003-08-13
The brave lads from Denton, Texas are at it again with anothertip-top collection of exhilarating musical journeys, this timeconcentrating on the western classical ouvre. Most of the 14familiar themes are done up polka-style, but theres also disco, pedal-to-the-metal rock, and other styles sprinkled into the mix.The piece-de-resistance of this CD is the William Tell Overture, rendered in a incredibly joyful and grandChicago-style polka arrangement, with irresistable chugging accordian and, as always, fantastic horn work from Jeffrey Barnes and Danny OBrien. I saw Brave Combo perform in Chicago just last Saturday and this was the last tune they played - it could be their set-closer for many years to come. Long live Brave Combo and polka music!
|
It"s Christmas Man
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
A great Christmas album of Ska/Rock/Polka fun! at 2003-12-08
If youre familiar with the Texas polka/Ska/Rock/whatever group Brave Combo, I wont need to explain very much to you. If you like Brave Combo, have no fears: buy it!If you are not familiar with this energetic bunch, then get set for an danceable and upbeat ride, covering the range from Tex-mex conjunto version of the Italian Buon Natale to a hoppin polka called, appropriately, Santas Polka. There are also old favorites like O Christams Tree,done as a samba, and a lightening fast instrumental version of Jingle Bells (43 seconds total). Theres a nice Hanukkah song, and a goofy Christmas in July. But the best song of all, one that you will want to dance and sing with your kids over and over again, is the manic and joyous Must Be Santa. Its worth the price of admission alone.Hard to find; worth the effort. On Rounder records, #9033.
|
Kick-Ass Polkas
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
D-E-N-T-O-N is the place at 2002-08-03
1. What is the text about? ...2. What is good about it? The melodies are infectious and the lyrics often amusing.3. What is not so good about it? Polkas are surprisingly aggressive to the ears.4. Who might like it? Polka lovers, but also those new wavers/alternites who like stray a little far afield.5. Personal bias: Have seen Brave Combo a dozen times; play the accordion.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Almost like being there! at 2002-03-02
Dont worry if you think you wont like polka. Those who have been there know that seeing Brave Combo live at every opportunity is a happy addiction. An instant pick-me-up that gets your dancing feet moving and your endorphins flowing into a polka-loving, just-like-flying physical high. If its been a while since your last Brave Combo fix, put this CD on, turn up the volume, and youre there! This CD includes some of the bands best live numbers, done flawlessly as always. Its guaranteed to get your blood moving. In short, this album kicks ...!
Brave Combo Album Review:
And Kick-Ass They Do! at 2006-01-24
You want the best polka cd you can buy? Buy this!! You wont be dissapointed!I grew up in a real polka town, and went to Polish halls dancing every weekend (did a mean hop and still can too!) I know polkas! If I ever get the chance to see these guys perform I am SO there!
Brave Combo Album Review:
These polkas kick .... at 2003-01-20
I lived in Denton for several years but never got the chance to see Brave Combo. My wife and I made the 30 minute trip (from Dallas) last year on the Thursday after Thanksgiving for the annual Christmas on the Square event and finally saw them. These guys are the best. You dont have to be a polka-nerd to enjoy their music.d-e-n t-o-n t-e-x-a-sbuy a map and come on down
|
All Wound Up! A Family Music Party
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Dont take my word for it---listen to the song samples! at 2006-05-31
As previous reviewers have said, this is a GREAT CD. First, its lively enough to get everybody dancing--and De Colores and Home help settle things down by the end. And again, the variety of styles is amazing: polka, waltz, western swing, calypso, Mexican folk, Israeli folk, 50s rock-n-roll and more, on the SAME disc?? Put that together with the quality of the musicianship, and I cannot imagine a better all-ages CD.But the other reviewers have already said the same things. What Im here to add is this: First, call me a sentimental fool, but I find the lyrics to On the Day You Were Born very touching. As the verses accumulate, the point that we are all children of God (or wonders of the universe, if you prefer) comes through very concretely and beautifully.And second, you dont need to read these reviews--just take six minutes and play Amazons Music Sampler! The excerpts give a very good sense for what the entire disc is like. If somehow you dont like what you hear, then I guess this CD is not for you. But I think its much more likely that youll fall in love with it, as our family has. Enjoy!
Brave Combo Album Review:
Delightful! at 2003-06-16
No matter your age, youll be grooving to this sweet, bouncy, toe-tapping music. Brave Combo + Cathy + Marcy = Genius!Its an instant, drug-free mood elevator. Dance your way to Texas!
Brave Combo Album Review:
Quality kids music youll enjoy, too! at 2002-11-14
This is a diverse, toe-tapping assortment of songs you can play with other adults in the car. I was hooked from the first time I played it. I really enjoy the booklet that tells about the various styles of music on the recording. Youll never think of polka in the same way again!
Brave Combo Album Review:
the favourite for the kids at 2002-09-07
kids are 3 and 6 - they love this album. finally we have left kiddie music - such as the disney [stuff] - and have moved on to something that gives them stylistic ranges of music - with jazz, soul, caribbean, pop and polka styles, my kids get much greater variety. even i love spaghetti - finally a CD i dont get tired of,
Brave Combo Album Review:
Fantastic for dancing! at 2002-09-05
My two daughters (ages 3 and 5) LOVE this CD and so do I. The quality and diverse styles of music keep you from getting bored with it. When this CD is playing, my girls will dance and dance until they are worn out (so it has strategic advantages - ha!)
|
The Process
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
A Departure from Polka at 2000-03-30
Brave Combo is best known as a polka band on speed. They caught the main-stream polka world by storm with their first Grammy on their third nominations for Polkasonics. The Process is a departure from polka but thats ok because BC can do it all. Great album from a band that gives a new meaning to alternative. BC is one of the best live bands around today.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Excellent Pop Album at 2000-03-28
The Process is an excellent pop album, slick, seamless, exquisitely produced, yet still containing the wild energy that characterizes all of Brave Combos albums and live appearances. The Process is somewhat of a departure for Brave Combo, a band known for its incredible musical range and devotion to a variety of musical styles, including cha-cha, waltz, rhumba, cumbia, salsa, merengue, guaguanco, ska, conjunto, and, of course, polka. Those musical influences are still there, but sublimated. The song, not the style, has finally taken primacy.The Process is further proof that Brave Combo and do anything, and is a good introduction to the fun and crazed world of Brave Combo.
|
Polkasonic
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Polka!! at 2002-04-02
Brave Combo is a surprising, and delightful band that exudes energy and fun. Their music is fast, and instills a level of enthusiasm in me that just cant be beat. This album is one of their best (its certainly the best Ive heard, but theyve got so many, I dont want to exclude the possibility that one of them is better).If you like to dance and you like enthusiastic, high energy music, this CD is for you. (Who would have ever dreamed of putting Purple Haze to a polka beat, if not for Brave Combo). If you are already a polka fan, this CD may not be for you, as it is not your standard polka fare. It would fit more into a rock/folk/latin/polka section than a straight up polka group.Anyway, this CD has infectious high-energy, and is a whole lot of fun. Buy the CD, and try to see these people live!
Brave Combo Album Review:
Not your grandfathers polka band at 2000-07-31
Brave Combo has been around a long time - 20 years or so - and its muse has led it all over the map in terms of musical style and presence. One common thread runs through 20 years of BC, however - the polka. Mainstream polka enthusiasts seem to resent BC because they dont sound like the mainstream polka greats (Jimmy Sturr, Eddie Blazonczyk, and so forth), but the simple truth is that BC appeals to a much wider audience than these bands do. Your average high-energy rocker is going to really get into BCs infectious enthusiasm and wide-ranging musical tastes - and who knows, from there they may discover that they like Jimmy Sturr after all! BC is good for polka, BC is good for fun, BC is good for what ails you, and Polkasonic deserves the attention that the Grammy brings!If you like music, polka fan or not, you owe it to yourself to check out Brave Combo. You WILL enjoy them!
Brave Combo Album Review:
Saw them in Kansas City at the Grand Emporium at 2000-06-14
I will have to say they were much more exciting live. You just had to dance. Couldnt sit still. The energy was astounding! It is a good CD to listen to with several.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Not a top notch polka album at 2000-02-24
The band sounds ok. Not the full richness of a Jimmy Sturr band. The award for Best Polka band, lends a wonder if those who voted for it, really heard the others who sounded much, much better.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Just saw them live in Seattle! Amazing show! at 1999-09-19
I love these guys. They can play anything. Their newest cd is a great one and this being the 20th Anniversary of Brave Combo, they sound better than ever!
|
Hokey Pokey
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
A must have for truly bluesy bunnies at 2001-06-13
After this albums initial release, much of the same material became available on the longer Group Dance Epidemic and it vanished from view. So if you missed it then, rejoice! This treasure, with its priceless Bunny Dirge, is again available to set your soulful, furry [bottom] and long, dragging, soulful ears in cathartic motion.
Brave Combo Album Review:
A treat! at 2000-05-04
Get this one while you can -- the Hava Nagila twist is not to be missed! Rock out to Hava Nagila, imagine a slo-mo Bunny Hop, and get into TWO cool versions of the Hokey Pokey. Youll be glad you did.
|
Polka Party with Brave Combo: Live and Wild!
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Some of it barely sounds like polka at 2002-12-09
Some of the album has a definite polka sound, but a few tracks have such a heavy rock influence it doesnt barely sound like polka at all. Come Back to Me and Pretty Dancing Girl are examples, and two fine songs. The Polka Medley is great. I wish they would do some of those songs individually. Some of the record even sounds vaguely like ska music. I would highly recommend this to any younger listener of polka, and anyone who likes to dance polka. It may even appeal to some listeners of lighter core ska.
Brave Combo Album Review:
The future of modern polka music. at 1998-10-17
This is a fine example of a robust live performance by a superb, energetic modern polka band. Renditions of the High Bounce Polka and the Peanuts Polka are true classics in the fast tempo Eastern Style of polka. This collection could possibly be the best example in its appeal to the modern polka listener of the future.
|
Group Dance Epidemic
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Almost perfect at 2003-10-24
My kids, 3 and 5, developed a sudden fascination with the Chicken Dance. I looked around for a good recording, and when I saw the Brave Combo version grabbed it (they think All Wound Up rules)Weve been generally happy with one small nit. In their search for artistic differentiation the band has thrown in quite a few twists that, while they sound interesting, make it a bit hard to dance to. Thats not cool for an album titled Group Dance Epidemic.Still, its a great kids album and highly recommended.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Lunatic Fun at 2003-06-19
If you want a band that stays in one style and groove, forget it! A person could get stylistic whiplash off of this CD. The jump from Mana Vu to The Jeffrey comes to mind. The thing is though it is all played with real joy and passion, something most recordings are devoid of these days. The American Bandstand ratings system of is it cool and can you dance to it comes up with max marks for both. For those clueless, theres even instructions for how to dance to it.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Unadulterated Fun. at 2001-11-11
This CD is unadulterated FUN. The band is tight. The recording is good. I love what they do with the music, styles and lyrics. My all time favorite, though, is the Bunny Hop. Its great swing. I cant listen to this selection only once. I always repeat it. TWO versions of the Hokey Pokey - who could ask for more?! The Limbo Rock / Hand Jive is great. I always sing along with Mana Vu. (Jeffrey is nuts (in a good and creative way).) Thats my humble and entertained opinion.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Coordinate your steps and clap! Avoid the individuality trap! at 2005-08-10
I was walking through a record store one fine day and when this album was just out and froze in my tracks. I turned to the store owner and said excuse me, are they playing the Hokey Pokey? The store owner said Yep. Thats Brave Combo! I immediately said Id be stupid not to buy this! What I got was an album full of classic group dance songs. From the Hokey Pokey to the Chicken Dance to the Hustle. All done in a wonderfully tounge-in-cheek fashion. Its alot of fun!
Brave Combo Album Review:
Group Dance Epidemic at 2005-07-23
The cd has a unique twist to some old favorites that will be put tto good use
|
Mood Swing Music
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
A Delicious Collection for the Open-Minded at 2002-02-20
A thoroughly enjoyable CD for any music lover, this is a fantastic collection of leftovers and extras, some released, some appearing for the first time. The twenty tracks range from traditional Mexican ballads (Sombras Nada Mas) to Tex-Mex (Besos Besitos) to classical (Strauss Tales From the Vienna Woods) to polkas, cha chas, rock/pop, Japanese Ondo, and the just plain strange (Tiny Tim interpreting the Beatles Girl and Japanese Ondo Kikusuimaru singing Volare). This being said, this is all great music, fun stuff, fun to dance to, sing along with, and just listen to, even at work, although your coworkers will look at you real funneh-like.First of all, Ive got to say that Im no polka fan. Didnt like it when I was a kid. Didnt like it when I was a teenager, later a college-age punk, and still dont like polka now that Im a bona fide grownup with kids and insurance policies. But I like Brave Combo, a lot. Ive got five of their releases, and plan on getting more. This band is more than a polka band, but Im just not sure how Id describe them. Experimental. Divergent. Interesting. Brave.Three Ducks is the theme running through the CD. Its an original Brave Combo piece, and they include four arrangements, waltz, polka, Ondo, and cha cha. I go for the Ondo version, with the cha cha version coming in a close, totally lounge-a-rrrific second.Then theres the haunting Burn Slow. One of the last places Id expect to find a dark, soulful kind-of-torch song would be on a Brave Combo release, but here it is. Its a great, powerful, spooky tune, with a wonderful Middle-Eastern influenced intro, best listened to in the dark. Its gotten me to look for the Lauren Agnelli CD the band cites in the liner notes.The liner notes also draw you into Skin. This is one of those songs you hum along to until after listening a dozen or so times you actually start to pick up on the words: Skin could be reminiscent of Harry Truman . . . covers up animals and humans . . . normally animal skin is thick, in humans its comparatively thin . . . a tear in skin can make animals and humans sick . . .skin covers up animals and humans. The liner notes mention influence from poetry featured in a mens nursing home newsletter from Massachusetts, so now Ive got a fun new Internet research project.I very much enjoy Walking Stick, the rockin ode to the insect of the same name. Also good is Come Back to Sorrento, a rearranged Italian ballad. Great sort of lounge-lizardy disco mix. And of course, the Tiny Tim version of Girl. Ive got this track already and so, so much more on the Brave Combo/Tiny Time CD of the same name. I strongly recommend this one for any Brave Combo fan.More than anything, this album opens doors. The styles are all over the place, so are the subjects, the lyrics, the arrangements, and the melodies. All are enjoyable, and at least half of the songs have pushed me to look into other styles and artists. This is the beauty of this release; its an entryway into music and art thats out there, in other places, waiting to be found by the adventurous and open-minded. Strongly recommended.
Brave Combo Album Review:
These people bring new meaning to electic at 1999-05-27
Having seen Brave Combo a number of times live and bought just about everything theyve done, dont for a minute thing Im unbiased. On the other hand if you like people who take what is common and make it startlingly new these guys do it better than most.
|
Kiss of Fire
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Brave Combo Kiss of Fire at 2000-10-13
Lush and quirky...imagine a torch singer with a polka band, which is the only way to describe this. Brave Combo is a great band.
|
Polkas for a Gloomy World
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
The cure for ennui at 2001-06-12
If you suffer from ennui or angst, and want to stay that way, then do not -- I repeat, do not -- listen to this or any other Brave Combo album.These boys have big hearts, big minds, and serious musical chops. Who among us would not be moved by the wistful desire to be visited by the extraordinary/extraterrestrial expressed in Flying Saucer? What visitor to a vortex (a.k.a. mystery spot), where the laws of nature are suspended, would not be blissed out by the exquisitely mind-boggling Mystery Spot Polka? What mortal feet could resist the temptation to join in the eternal Hokey Pokey that is life all the way through this recording?I own relatively few albums, but possess everything ever recorded by these modern-day gods from Denton, Texas. Cheaper than Prozac and infinitely more effective. The only known side effect is pure joy!
Brave Combo Album Review:
I dare you to be gloomy!` at 2000-07-31
I dare you to be gloomy after listening to this! This is upbeat, happy, exciting music that makes you bounce. Many styles of polka are represented on this disc, from Polish to Czech to Mexican, but the common thread is that BC makes them all exciting. Get it now!
Brave Combo Album Review:
You Wont be Gloomy for Long! at 2002-04-02
This is the first album I have bought by Brave Combo and it certainly did not disappoint! Coming from a more traditional Chicago and Slovenian style Polka background, I wasnt sure how well Id like a group like Brave Combo, but that was shattered with the first few notes of Hosa Dyna. I knew Id heard the song before, but I couldnt remember where. A few weeks later, I discovered the same song going by the title Od Krakowa Jade and recorded by Lil Wally in the mid 1940s. I never thought Id hear this song done effectively with a Rock and Roll energy, but Brave Combo pulled it off without a hitch. The incredible thing about this band is that they can introduce such a modern energy and Alternative style diversity to a musical form like the Polka. Every song on the disk is a little different, but they all quickly became my favorites. This is a disk that will grow on you the more you play it. I cant think of a single reason not to recommend it most enthusiastically.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Probably their best-realized work. at 2001-07-11
If you think of polka as being old, boring music commonly used in TV commercials in order to associate something with terminal unhipness, this record is a real eye [and ear] opener. Several styles are explored here, all done with Brave Combos usual unuusal interpretation. This is probably one of my favorite albums, period, and I always reach for it to get myself out of a sour mood.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Gloomy world? Maybe but a playful one at 2001-11-28
Since a very long time I am an admirer of folkmusic and have plenty of it on records and cds. I am really glad that I ordered this gloomy world disc. It is fantastic, from the first till the last track it keeps my mood up. I played it over and over from the moment it came into my house.Listen to it and love itJaap Cost Budde, Holland
|
No+ No+ No+ Cha Cha Cha
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Polk n Roll at 2002-11-13
Nobody combines Rock, Polka, Fun and Technic like those guys do!Hard to chose one and only one Brave Combos album, but this ones truely great.Why dont you make yourself a favour and get the album MUSICAL VARIETIES too...
Brave Combo Album Review:
cha cha cha yes, yes, yes at 1998-11-17
If youve got a musical sense of humor, youll love Brave Combo. They work some of their Brave Combo magic on songs you wouldnt expect to hear redone with spicy latin rhythm. Put on your dancing shoes, roll back the rug, put a rose between your teeth and grab your partner. In case youre wondering, rumor has it that the band got their name from playing Jimi Hendrix tunes on the accordian, causing an onlooker to say Man, you guys are brave. And so they are. Brave and talented. But its not hep to call yourself Talented Combo.
|
It"s Christmas+ Man!
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Go out and FIND this Christmas Album! at 2005-12-28
I dont think I exaggerating when I say that it is quite simply the most enjoyable Christmas album ever made! The premise of the album is that each song is a different dance. From the Polka (Must Be Santa and Santas Polka) to the Waltz (Buon Natale) to the Cha Cha (Its Christmas) and even the Hora (Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah), Brave Combo puts a very new spin on the Christmas genre. Though four of the songs dont hold true to the dance theme, all have that unique Brave Combo twist. Real standouts on the album are: Santas Polka, The Christmas Song (Ska), Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah, and an amazing version of Ave Maria. I could listen to this song all year long...
Brave Combo Album Review:
One of two at 2005-09-19
of my favorite Christmas albums. The other is Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. You got these two records at Christmas, you dont need anything else. You can skip the tree and the turkey and the presents and the lights. Youll need a stereo, but thats it. Electricity. Youll need electricity. But thats it.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Very fun christmas record for the secret polka fan in us all at 2004-11-19
I had already owned a few BC CD titles when I heard about this 3 or 4 years ago. I immediately went to the Rounder records website and ordered 1 for me and 3 for my sisters. Having polka and traditional Hunky music played in our house growing up, there is something about it that just makes you want to move. Their version of Must Be Santa needs to be on repeat play for half an hour it is just so much fun at Christmas time. Arguably the best song on this CD. If you know anything of BCs music and other releases, you know that their style is all over the map with Polkas, Cha-Chas, Waltzes, and Reggae with touches of other musical forms thrown in the mix to make it interseting. Same thing here. What you get are 15 very different tunes that just make the holiday that much more fun. Not every song is a winner but the album as a whole does not disappoint. Much better than any Mannheim Steamroller release. I like Hard Rock and this works for me.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Fun CD - worth seeking out at 2004-11-17
As I am writing this, the CD is not currently available here, but you can order it directly from the band on their own web site.I remember Must Be Santa from the sing along with Mitch Miller records that we played at my house when I was a kid. Brave Combo makes that even more fun. They make a lot of classic Christmas songs more fun by arranging them in various styles including polka, ska, and different types of latin music. There are a few original songs here to, and out of those, Christmas In July is the best.I was enticed to buy this after listening to the samples available here. Try it, see if you like it too.
Brave Combo Album Review:
A wonderful fresh setting of Christmas tunes at 2003-03-23
You know, this album couldve been a lot harder to get. It was sold to Brave Combo as something to do for the Japanese market...but be glad that the record company decided to sell it elsewhere, too! Brave Combo deconstructs Christmas standards into Latin dance format and throws in some originals as well, along with a charming, sweet straight performance of Schuberts Ave Maria. Its enjoyable any time of year, and well worth your while.
|
A Night on Earth
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Stop here. Listen and EnJoy! at 2000-05-04
First off, Im a partisan. I have virtually every CD these guys have made. This is one of the best of the lot. If youre unsure as to whether Brave Combo is going to be your thing, give this album a try.
|
Humansville
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Humansville: An other-worldly experience at 2005-02-10
Tubular Jugs.Thats really all that needs to be said when introducing this album, because if you appreciate this deviation from the norm (and it is a deviation, believe me), then you will love this album. More on that later, though....If youve read some of my previous reviews (and if you havent, what are you waiting for??), you will know that I went to college in Springfield, MO -- a small city about 3 hours south of Kansas City. And every time I made that trek from KC to the Queen City of the Ozarks, I would pass by a quaint little southern Missouri town -- Humansville. Yes, it really exists and is, by the way, the birthplace of Edgar Theres-Uncle-Joe-hes-a-movin-kinda-slow Buchanan. And so, of course, when I saw this album by the neo-polka deconstructionist wunderkindern band Brave Combo...well, was there any doubt that it would end up in my collection?Okay, so I could do a song-by-song rundown to explain why these inspired versions of old standards allow chic would-be rock snobs to enjoy this music -- music that wasnt even cool when it was popular. I mean, does the world really need a rockin version of the ultimate squaresville tune (from the Broadway musical Oklahoma! no less) Oh, What A Beautiful Morning? Or any version of Besame Mucho or Poor People Of Paris? Do we NEED this record???Two words: Tubular Jugs. Although I may have some half-baked, totally conjectured theories as to how this band came up with this Frankensteins monster of a medley, I can only assume that my thoughts are nowhere near as bizarre as those that actually created this demented concoction. How else can one explain the unholy marriage of Tubular Bells with the old favorite Little Brown Jug? I mean, its just not right!!!Just not right -- but it IS fun. And if that pairing piques your curiosity, this is the album for you.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Ive got dancing feet! at 1998-09-21
Humansville is one of my favorite Brave Combo albums and I have most of them. Everytime I throw it on I start to sing and dance. Every woman who has ever married a poor man can relate to Money Cant Buy Everything...it eases the pain.
|
Polkatharsis
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
A taste of Europe via North Texas at 2001-03-10
Brave Combo takes traditional European music and infuses it with an American kick. From the back: This LP contains eleven polkas, two waltzes, and a schottische, performed in a variety of styles. While accurate, the music on this album delivers a lot more than you might be expecting. If you thought the waltz and the polka were just for geezers in lederhosen, think again. Youll be ready to dance. And if you already think of polka as a reason to dance, get ready to have serious fun.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Fantastic introduction to Nuclear Polka - MUST BUY! at 1998-07-10
I first saw this band in Austin, TX in the late 80s and have been hooked ever since. This CD is a must for any Brave Combo fan! The versions of Who stole the Kishka and Seven Steps will get your feet moving! Note The Happy Wanderer as done by Brave Combo and as historically performed in Schindlers List, classical polka fans will get a charge out of the updated version. My favorite listening place for this CD is in my car on my morning commute. This is the music that you WANT to get stuck in your head! If you think Nuclear Polka is your grandparents music, think again!
|
Musical Varieties
|
Brave Combo Album Review:
Worlds Greatest Dance Band at 1999-06-09
Oh boy! Im the first one to review this CD by the most frenetic dance band on the planet. Polkas and waltzes from Europe meet Mexican cumbias and Cuban mambos; some are performed with with ska/rock energy, some are done Holy Night as a cha-cha, The Doors People Are Strange as a hora (Jewish folkdance) and music from Bizets opera Carmen set to a twistin beat are just a few of the highlights of this CD, which compiles the best of their out-of-print self-released LPs. I love all the BC recordings, but this ones on my desert island list.
Brave Combo Album Review:
Great intoduction to an incredible polka band! at 1999-07-18
I have listened to these guys for almost 20 years and have yet to grow tired of their unique sound. They make you want to get up and dance! I highly recommend all their albums and theyre even better live! They make me proud of being from Denton, TX (their home town).
Brave Combo Album Review:
You cant be depressed listening to this! at 1999-08-13
This CD could liven up almost any party. In fact, the whole thing, but particularly the last half almost sounds like they were having a great time in the studio recording it. Put this on and form a conga line! You wont be sorry.
Brave Combo Album Review:
O Holy Night Cha Cha Cha And Other Classics at 2004-11-13
Brave Combo never ceases to amaze me. Even though I have had this CD for a number of years, I have recently been listening to it routinely because it always puts me in a better mood. If you think that the worlds greatest modern polka band would be a drag, think again. This CD is full of Brave Combos best work, and crosses many musical boundaries in the process. My personal favorites are O Holy Night Cha Cha Cha, which is exactly what you would believe it to be given the title, Habanera Rock, an up-tempo re-rendering of a Latin classic, Gigi, a wonderful and peculiar show tune (and I am someone who generally detests musicals), the African influenced Skokiaan, Sixteen Tons done as an upbeat quasi-polka (certain to startle anyone familiar with the original), and my very favorite of all, the Doors classic People Are Strange, a truth which will be more evident than ever after hearing this version, which is not at all what Jim Morrison had in mind.Some of these are live and some are studio recordings, but the musicianship is first rate throughout. The band emphasizes unusual treatments of well known titles, intermixed with pleasantly surprising originals. Think of Brave Combo as Weird Al for intellectuals, or perhaps as Lawrence Welk for metalheads, although no categorization can really do them justice. This is the best CD to use as an introduction, but I warn you, this music is very addictive.
Brave Combo Album Review:
COOL, FUN, BUY THIS CD!!! at 2002-10-18
What a blast.No intelligent, deep or thoughtful dissertation here - just a simple and earnest command: BUY THIS CD!EVERYONE always asks me what I am listening to when this is playing - it is just a great kick in the pants. Have some FUN!
|
|
|
|
|
|
