Search - Poi Dog Pondering :: Volo Volo

One of the best in the 90's.

Richard R. Johnson | 05/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Volo is one astounding album. It is a marriage of 50's rhythm and blues with violin, horns, rock n' roll, and even some hip hop beats. Then it is combined with Frank Orrall's lyrics spun with a gypsie -like wisdom (whatever that means). With the exception of Camper Van Beethoven, no other recent band has been able to combine so many musical types so successfully. This album ages well. Poi Dog is also a great live band."

Good, but...

Richard R. Johnson | Houston, TX United States | 01/11/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For many who were hardcore Poi fans from the Austin days early in the band's career, this cd was a bit of a stumble for a group that had released nothing but masterpieces. Musically, it seemed that the band was in tension with each other, and I think that that's clear from looking at the album cover - see the band divided, and one wearing a shirt that says "Judas"? It was no surprise when after this cd, Poi Dog Pondering changed much of its line-up and moved to Chicago. But that doesn't mean that this cd was a disaster. Far from it. Perhaps my favorite Poi song of all time - "Lackluster" - is the lead track. Although, having heard it live several times before it was recorded, I was really disappointed in the over-production. I blame the record label for that (why not, it's a paranoid fantasy that might be true). The cd does feature some exceptional moments, but there are enough rough spots on this cd to warrant a rating of simply "good" and not "exceptional.""