Search - The Taters :: menagerie

Pure Simple Fun

Chick with a Pick | Virginia | 12/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Start with the first track of the aptly named "Menagerie" and let it roll for a phenomenal listening experience. This album has it all in a nice mix of originals and covers that are sure to leave you with a smile. The opener, "Such a Good Day" is a foot-tapping, happy-go-lucky song that will be stuck in your head for days, and every time you think about it, you'll smile. "That's Me" and "Lonely Like That" are two haunting originals that slow things down to the point of being almost hypnotic. There are three well-chosen covers from quite a diverse group of artists--Roger Miller's "Walking in the Sunshine," Gary U. S. Bonds' (I think) "Feet Start Walking," and The Beatles' "We Can Work it Out" - each a different genre and style and each carried off with aplomb. You gotta love it when a band covers a song and manages to stamp it with their own style without losing the essence of the original. That's a fine line to walk, and The Taters do it well. "Wolfman Told Me Tonight" ought to be a Halloween classic. Be sure to listen to this one all the way to the end! "No I Don't," "Spend a Little Time With Me," "I Forgot," "Fun At Home" and "Oceans Apart" are all spirited enough to get the feet moving. "Cat in the Window" is the song you wish Nick Lowe had written when he sat down to pen "Marie Provost." And the album's finale, "Wax Paper," is a song that, well, let's just say defies description. You'll either love it or shake your head saying "What the heck was that all about." I happen to love the song, but either way you'll remember it.



I listened to this album a second time, trying to find some weak links or less-polished areas, but I can't. The musicianship on here is just superb, including some horns, a mandolin, a banjo, and probably some other things I can't identify! The vocals are truly exceptional. Craig Evans (who sounds a lot like Roy Orbison or Raul Malo or Elvis) and Brad Tucker have a magical blend and harmonies that simply have to be heard. In short, if you like your music uncomplicated, pure and sure to stick with you, try out Menagerie. You won't be disappointed.

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