Search - Bongos :: Drums Along the Hudson

Brilliant, nervous pop from 1980s Hoboken, NJ

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 06/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Bongos were among the first artists to skitter across the Hudson to the (then) more reasonably priced enclave of Hoboken, NJ. They recorded and released a number of singles and EPs on Fetish, compiled here on an album originally released by PVC.Richard Barone is the group's focal point, as its primary songwriter and lead vocalist, but they really play as a group. Nervous pop, ala the Feelies, but with a lyrical and melodic outlook more akin to T-Rex.Their later move to RCA produced some more good music (e.g., "Numbers With Wings"), but it didn't have quite the same feeling of need (that is, need to get this music out) that these first recordings do.Most of their output was reissued by Razor & Tie for a time, though this import seems to be all that's left."

No Bonus Track On The Import

gengen | Franklin, NC | 05/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great CD from the Bongos, but if you're a hard-core fan looking for bonus tracks be aware that the import (on the Line label, 1991) only has 15 tracks, not 16 as Amazon has listed. "Nuts And Bolts" is on the U.S. CD (1992, Razor & Tie) but not on the import."

Bongo goes to college (radio)

D. Hartley | Seattle, WA USA | 03/07/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Bongos beat thier way out of the East coast punk/new wave scene in the early 80's and released a couple of quirky albums, of which this was the first. Imagine Television and the Modern Lovers by way of the Beatles and Syd Barett, and that gives you a blueprint for the Bongos sound. Standout tracks include 'The Bullrushes", "In The Congo", and a perky cover of T. Rex's "Mambo Sun". Note: singer Richard Barone's solo albums are worth seeking out, if you enjoy this release."