Search - Cherry Poppin Daddies :: Soul Caddy

It's a cyberdelic world of jet boys and tiger girls.

Pamela Scarangello | Middletown, NJ USA | 02/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although they were partially responsible for reviving the swing craze back in the late 90's, The Cherry Poppin' Daddies were versatile in their musical craftsmanship. The band's 2000 CD, "Soul Caddy," proves this. Instead of capitalizing on the hits of 1997's "Zoot Suit Riot," the group concocted a sonic cornucopia of many musical genres. "Swingin' with Tiger Woods" and "So Long Toots" are the only authentic swing tracks on the album, and both of them greatly glisten like a martini glass. "The Saddest Thing I Know" offers record buyers a sampling of smooth jazz. "Soul Cadillac," with its synthetic organ and sliding trumpets, is a carefree dance tune where frontman Steve Perry plays a 1950's teen heartthrob. "Stay, Don't Just Stay" also evokes the feel of that decade, for the track is set in a perfect suburban neighborhood complete with a dog and a white picket fence. "My Mistake" is an electric mix of techno, pop, and 1970's funk. The ska track, "End of the Night," is interesting; here, Perry is trying to reconnect with his estranged father, who he had first introduced as an abusive alcoholic in "Drunk Daddy." The infectious "Diamond Light Boogie" brings forth the futuristic, bubblegum groove of a sci-fi B-movie. "God is a Spider" is a bizarre and disturbing track about suicide; the song incorporates blaring trumpets with hard rock guitars, and the rhythm scurries like the legs of a centipede. "Grand Mal" is an offering of alternative, acoustic rock. The lyrics of this particular tune are absurd as they involve a girl who hears banjos when seeing her boyfriend naked. "Irish Whiskey" is a bittersweet punk anthem about friendship and sacrifice. "Bleeding Ceremony" is probably the strangest track of all. It graphically unveils the private pains of self-mutilation while teetering to the brink of full-blown nu metal. Fans who had become accustomed to the Cherry Poppin' Daddies' swing sound may be turned off by this track, since it seems far too radical for the band to travel this route.
Overall, "Soul Caddy" is excellent in its execution. Not only did the Cherry Poppin' Daddies retain the rhythms of "Zoot Suit Riot," but they also expanded their sound into new territories by, ironically, diving into the box of nostalgia."

Incredible

godsmacker | Hungary | 08/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am not an experienced swinger. I heard the first couple of songs about a year ago (they were "Zoot Suit Riot", "Drunk Daddy" and "Master & Slave" from CPD) but now I listen to swing music throughout my free time.
I loved Zoot Suit Riot, though it contained only swing songs. I am a lot more satisfied with Soul Caddy, because it comes with a very wide variety of songs from punk rock (Irish Whiskey, God Is a Spider) through classic swingers, (So Long, Toots!, Big Swing) a tender love song (Saddest Thing I Know) rock & roll (Diamond Light Boogie) to an even metal-like song with very negative lyrics (Bleeding Ceremony). By the way the afore mentioned God Is A Spider is one of the best numbers I have ever heard!
This album is colorful, an exciting listening. Its only problem is that it's way too short for my taste. I suggest you to give it a try."