The Monday After - Babe the Blue Ox, Thomson, Rosalee J.
Tattoos
Sheila
Basketball
I'm Not Listening
Mensy
Plan B
Babe the Blue Ox's underground reputation as East Coast kids all hopped up on dizzy funk-rock via '80s new-wave pop is still intact on The Way We Were. OK, sometimes it's a little too obvious--witness "Lotto Train," whose ... more »verses bear a bizarre resemblance to Duran Duran's "Is There Something I Should Know?" That's just part of the trio's charm. Dig the splendor of the single "Basketball," which pits guitarist Tim Thomas and bassist Rosalee J. Thomson in an infectious verbal one-on-one over looped drums and funky electric piano. "Tattoos" and "Mensy," an ode to their now-retired touring van, slip into the trademark seasick groove that Babe knows well, while Thomson's featured ballad, "The Monday After," is just downright pretty. The Way We Were may not contain great surprises for longtime Babe fans, but, like their previous releases, it's all in good and groovy fun. --Jason Josephes« less
Babe the Blue Ox's underground reputation as East Coast kids all hopped up on dizzy funk-rock via '80s new-wave pop is still intact on The Way We Were. OK, sometimes it's a little too obvious--witness "Lotto Train," whose verses bear a bizarre resemblance to Duran Duran's "Is There Something I Should Know?" That's just part of the trio's charm. Dig the splendor of the single "Basketball," which pits guitarist Tim Thomas and bassist Rosalee J. Thomson in an infectious verbal one-on-one over looped drums and funky electric piano. "Tattoos" and "Mensy," an ode to their now-retired touring van, slip into the trademark seasick groove that Babe knows well, while Thomson's featured ballad, "The Monday After," is just downright pretty. The Way We Were may not contain great surprises for longtime Babe fans, but, like their previous releases, it's all in good and groovy fun. --Jason Josephes
CD Reviews
A penny saved is a penny wasted in this case
Greg Brady | Capital City | 03/10/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Babe the Blue Ox is an alterna-pop trio from New York City featuring lead vocalist/guitarist Tim Thomas, bass player and sometime lead vocalist Rosalee Thomson, and Hanna Fox who pounds the skins and contributes harmonies.
The best tracks on here truly shimmer, like "Basketball". Think of it as Sublime (a la "What I Got") going one on one with Len (a la "Steal My Sunshine"). A funky bass groove collides with Thomson's sunny counterpoint to create a truly infectious hook. See if you aren't singing "Pass it to me...I am free..there is no one guarding me" in your head for awhile. "Lotto Train" is a grittier number, complaining about how the games prey on the poor's hopes for escape, while "T.G.I.F.U." laments the homogenization of America (Thomas drives Route 66 to clear his head and keeps seeing the same signs everywhere...). "Sheila" is a hard one to figure out..Thomas sings the lead on the tune about a man and his (female) best friend who tells him about her boyfriend. Lines like "I Could never be the next one, I could never be his someone" lead you to wonder..is Thomas lusting after the GUY? But in a later couplet, Thomas admits he tried to kiss the girl in a theater, so the politics of the song become even more confused. Maybe he wants a threesome? An intriguing lyric with a great hook.
Stinkers here are "The Monday After" which, although it has an absolutely GORGEOUS vocal from Thomson, just doesn't go anywhere lyrically. "Heartbreak #1" is also a snooze.
Bottom Line: Here's a chance to own something not a lot of people know about for cheap and pick up some nice tunes. C'mon..you can spare a penny,right?
3 1/2 stars"
Hello, music press, where are you?
Greg Brady | 04/11/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Babe is simply the best unknown band I know of. They're not writing hooks for the radio, just real songs about what a scam the state lotteries are, how strip malls, TGI Fridays, and Ground Round are destroying individuality, and a bunch of other topics rock and rap are too self-absorbed to deal with. They range from crunchy, thumping beats to the softest, sweetest melodies. If you can, see them live, although that's easier the closer you get to NYC. Babe the Blue Ox deserves your money and attention."
Unbelievable
The Who? | 07/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is simply the coolest pop record I've heard in years. Don't miss it..."
A timeless, Under stated rated Band.
The Who? | 10/07/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally something refreshingly fun!
From start to finish just a boat load o' fun. Babe isn't afraid to take the chance and be on the the edge of distruction! Of special note any of the "Train" songs. There is a heaping helping of TONE For all you rockers. Simple and fun! If only this was the Band everyone was trying to copy, we would all be a lot better off."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1
