(You've got a) Shaolin Kung-fu Death Grip on my Soul
Coax Me a Little Bit
Two Points Up
Pink Elephants on Parade
Enjoy Yourself
Well Did You Evah?
Mexican Radio
For their latest and greatest CD release, San Francisco's multiple award-winning LEE PRESS-ON AND THE NAILS are tackling the latin genre... with a twist! This may not be the latin you're used to... this is Hollywood Latin... more », the kind of music that puts you in the mind of Los Angeles in the 50s. Of course, LPN's trademark Big Band sound is here too, along with new originals and some stuff that's just downright silly.« less
For their latest and greatest CD release, San Francisco's multiple award-winning LEE PRESS-ON AND THE NAILS are tackling the latin genre... with a twist! This may not be the latin you're used to... this is Hollywood Latin, the kind of music that puts you in the mind of Los Angeles in the 50s. Of course, LPN's trademark Big Band sound is here too, along with new originals and some stuff that's just downright silly.
CD Reviews
The world's weirdest swing band goes Latin -- sorta
Ryan Harvey | Los Angeles, CA USA | 01/29/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Lee Press-On and the Nails is a swing band that actually takes an intelligent approach to modern swing: they interpret swing as the punk music of its day (1930s), and present it that way. They play like and out of control circus train loaded with boxes of corpses. If Tim Burton ran a swing band, it would be like this!LPN is best live (they're almost a comedy act, and Leslie looks sooooo delicious in those red dresses of hers), but make great albums too. The focus of this album is on their Latin tunes, so there is less of their characteristic hard-swing, so I like it a bit less than their last two albums. Nonetheless, it's still great. Listening to it is a party in itself.The best tracks are the first and last: "Pico and Sepulveda" is a energetic swing-polka on the names of Los Angeles Streets. It gets the album off to a awesome start. "Mexican Radio" takes the Wall of Voodoo song (and its screamingly funny lyrics) and swings the hell out of it. I love listening to them play these two pieces live, and having them on disc is a real pleasure.Other great works: a Latin version of the swing classic "Begin the Beguine" (recording technology turns the band into a real sixteen-piece big band on this one!). "(You've Got a Shaolin Kung-Fu Death Grip on My Soul" is the most danceable song, a sort of Stray-Cats like bit of rockabilly with hysterical lyrics. "Pink Elephants on Parade" ressurects a very un-PC Disney song. And Leslie croons sexily on "Coax Me a Little."If you want some unique modern music, grab a copy. Also get "Playing Dirty," their live recording. (Hey, I was there!)Watch out for Lee Press-On, he is the future leader of your planet!"
Best Album Ever
Brian | LBC, CA | 12/07/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album has rarely left my CD player! I've been a fan of Lee since seeing them at the Derby, and what a release! Some great covers and wonderful original stuff! Great big band sound with a latin kick! (And I can't forget Leslie..Coax ME a little bit, please!)
You won't regret the buy!"
LPN's best work yet...
Ruthie | San Francisco, California | 01/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I got "El Bando En Fuego" soon after it was released, just in time to take it along with me to a party that night. Midway through the evening, I put LPN's latest into the CD player. A few people knew and recognized the band, and were thrilled with the sound of the new CD. Many others approached me, asking, "Who is this?" All of them wanted to know where they could pick up a copy for themselves.I have been a longtime fan of Lee Press-on and the Nails. In all honesty, I like some of their CDs better than others. "El Bando En Fuego" is easily their best work to date, and was well worth the wait for its long anticipated release. Mr. Press-on is at his most creative and entertaining yet (I'm only just now beginning to appreciate this man's genius), and Miss Leslie Presley's vocal abilities have matured from simply good to utterly enthralling.I'm not certain that I can pick a favorite... I adore the way "Coax Me a Little Bit" mixes swing and latin rhythms, "Pink Elephants" is as fun as it is fabulous (I can't help but smile every time I hear it!), and the swingin' version of "Mexican Radio" makes me get up and dance, no matter where I am. One of the best little surprises on the CD is the special guest appearance of David Vanian (of "The Damned") in a duet with Lee for "Well Did You Evah?"Lee Press-on will have a difficult time topping this one, but I look forward to the attempt! (perhaps he'll even put some of his marvelous harmonica playing on the next one!)"
Screamin' fun swing!
Scary Mommy | New York, NY | 10/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Found this band and this CD by purest chance, looking for versions of the song "Hot for Teacher", which they cover elsewhere. Listening to the samples, I had to buy it; listening to the whole CD, I had to recommend it. This band has a smart, stylish approach, spiked with a wicked sense of humor. Leslie Presley is sexy in vocals like "It Had Better Be Tonight" (Henry Mancini would salivate), and their cover of "Pink Elephants on Parade" had me rolling on the floor. Their original tracks are fine, too ... though "God's Gift" did seem a bit more like the ordinary run of swing than the rest of the tunes. Still in all, a great selection, and you can bet I will be acquiring the rest of their discography. LPN Swings!"
Muy Caliente,Amigos!
Harvey J.Satan | Among The Garden Gnome,Friar Park | 01/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"LPN are Hot! Hot! Hot!,as they take a little trip South of the border for a Latin-inspired release. ( Hey,if Robert Mitchum can release a Calypso album... ).This CD goes back and forth from swing-era faves,("Begin The Beguine","At An Arabian House Party"),to Latin beats, ( "Brazil","Pico & Speulveda" ),to the usual madness! ("(You've Got A ) Shaolin Kung-Fu Death Grip on My Soul","Cult Of The Eye Anthem".). Leslie is in great voice with such offerings as "Bai Mir Bist Du Schon","Coax Me A Little Bit",and the rarely covered Mancini number, "It Had Better Be Tonight". Sexy & Sultry,and several other words begining with "S"! The fan favourites "God's Gift" and "Enjoy Yourself" are also included here,as well as the brilliant re-working of Wall of Voodoo's "Mexican Radio"!! "Pink Elephants on Parade" is also a really cool cover,a touch of Mystic Knights,with the LPN twist!( And is it just me,or doesn't Lee resemble a Charles Addams version of Uncle Walt? ). And,I wouldn't be a proper Damned fan,if I didn't mention the appearance of THE Dave Vanian singing a duet on "Well Did You Ever?"( by the same Cole Porter who wrote "Anything Goes"....yes,THAT Cole Porter! ),a sort of Gothic Hope & Crosby,if you like. ( And I do like! ).Every time Lee & The Nails return from the lab with a new offering,it's always a welcome surprise! So buy 'em up shriners,it's later than you think!"
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1