Imaginative inspiration
Edward Loux | Northwest New Jersey | 11/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rarely does a body of music come along that both stimulates the imagination and inspires the spirit.In addition to these qualities,if that weren't enough, this soul-satisfying collection holds up beautifully after countless listenings. The genuine emotions these songs tap into reflect the delicate sensitivity of the performances,but more importantly,the talent behind the performances. I know there are real people with depth and understanding playing on this album.You can hear it, but WOW, can you feel it! And this belies the fact the musicianship is first-rate. Everything fits the way it's supposed to. This collection was meticulously put together to represent a complete experience,like a fine formal photograph. Each tune, a short story in itself,takes you in a different direction, but the CD avoids the jagged,thrown-together mish-mash of material that so many albums become. The singers,especially,display the feelings of their songs perfectly,admirably,and with no pretense. You are treated to clean and precise vocals integrated masterfully into the material,instead of some dishonest vocal performance being forced on you like a paisley tie with a black tuxedo.
As far as the concept of being in the house of swank, the CD, it's fun and good-natured and adult playfulness at it's best. Anybody who listens to this wonderful album and doesn't smile is really not listening, and probably too distracted from going along for the ride.They don't get the moral of the story. House of Swank deserves an international audience,their music would be welcomed anywhere,and not only where there are potted palms and fedoras. I hate to sound trite but there is aurally something for everyone on this CD. And if you do have a look at the big picture, and see the album as a true compilation, you'll realize just how rare such talent is,and what a musical treasure you've got. I marked this CD "Top Shelf" "First Cabin" and "Pure Class.""
Honestly, this is horrible
Edward Loux | 10/09/2001
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Where can I start? This is one of the most derivative and unoriginal CDs I've listened to in ages. HoS works on channeling the originality and musicality of Esquivel (they even lifted the phrase "Space Age Bachelor Pad Music" -- a woefully inaccurate description of HoS's music -- which is the title an Esquivel CD); and the contemporary edginess and originality of Combustible Edison. While HoS knows where to listen for inspiration, they do not have the talent to create quality lounge music.The female singer in this group isn't much of a singer. This is painfully evident on the track Desafinado, where she sings is Brazilian/Portugese. This song is painful to listen to because she attempts to sing with the appropriate accent. This song only reinforces the idea that this woman has no place fronting a band. Her voice (and the male singers' as well) is thin and lacking range. Laundromat Girl is actually an amusing song, but the male singer takes his vocals way too seriously, and this clashes with the wistful amusement of the lyrics. Both singers seem more focused on some sound quality of their voices instead of using their voices to convey emotion and entertainment.This is the kind of band you expect to see in a lounge where women sit in the darkened corners so you can't see their real age, and the men wistfully dream of the real "Days of Wine and Roses" while the band underachieves at providing a melodic background ambience. Not recommended at all. If you're looking for groovy lounge music, try anything by Esquivel or Combustible Edison."
Loved this cd
Edward Loux | 12/03/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i found this CD to be very entertaining and enjoyable. hardly do i ever take the chance with an unknown artist but this was a wonderful surprise.. well worth a listen"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1