Search - Suspect Bill :: Bill Me Later

Suspect Bill has a fresh sound worthy of checking out.

06/19/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Suspect Bill is a welcome change in SKA music today. They are billed as a "swing ska" band, and they surely live up to that standard. Their success is due in part to a combination of old-school swing and first wave ska. They aren't totally into one or the other, as it seems some bands are today. I have checked out their live shows in the Twin Cities and they are a first-rate band on stage too. I talked to their bandleader and I hear that they are coming out with a new CD in the fall, so look for it!"

The best of the amateurs

david Skelton | St. Paul, Minnesota | 03/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Suspect Bill (SB), now defunct, was the most enjoyable ska band the Twin Cities had to offer. Their talent in the cities was rivaled only by "Skatet". SB was an offshoot of "Ten Cent Fun"; a band with an unprofessional sound that was loved by all. As SB started out, they carried that sound and love with them. However, as the years went by their talent grew. This CD is the culmination of that talent. Other releases include a tape "Mr. E" (Mr. E. was the bassist of Skatet), a split 7", and several songs on compilation CDs. Bill Me Later is Swing-ska, as described, but also carries a strong Klezmer emphasis. Almost all of the tunes are packed with a powerful sound; yet not so powerful that it detracts from quality. Some have expressed distaste for Heather singing off key (which only happens when she is outside her vocal range), but I personally find it to be a welcomed throwback to the days of small intimate shows. This is one of my favorite CDs, but perfectionists, or music professionals may not be too impressed with it. If you can appreciate the great talents of a subculture, then buy this CD. If you are trying to see if modern musicians can outperform Benny Goodman, then you may want to keep looking."

A Pretty good Debut!

david Skelton | 05/23/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Suspect Bill have a really original ska/swing sound in the 90's today and have definately proved worthy of success through "bill me later" - Suspect Bill's debut release. Many catchy tunes can be heard on the album along with a few instrumental tunes that make you want to skank... The only problem I had with this album was that Heather (the lead vocalist) sometimes becomes off-key, I don't know if this is done purposely, but it bothers me at times. Other than that, it was a pretty good CD... Worth the buy!"