The Hokey Pokey [Go-Go Style] - Brave Combo, Baker
The Bunny Hop - Brave Combo, Anthony, Ray [1]
"We saw new dances like `The Freeze' and `The Achy Breaky' spreading like an epidemic in country dance halls," the members of Brave Combo write in the liner notes to their new album, Group Dance Epidemic. "Then terpsichore... more »an plague struck--`The Macarena.' No one was spared, not even the vice president of the United States." Does Brave Combo, the polka-rock band from Texas, object to these developments? No, they love it. They are fervent evangelists for the democratizing and uplifting values of group dances, no matter how corny (plus it gives them more work). Thus the album features a dozen songs that have been dance-floor-tested for group participation, and the CD booklet comes with dance instructions for each. "The Freeze," "The Achy Breaky," and "The Macarena" are not included, but Van McCoy's disco classic, "The Hustle," is. Most of the others belong to an earlier age when dancers bent their knees and backs to do the "Limbo Rock," flapped their elbows to the "Chicken Dance," shuffled their soles to the "Mexican Hat Dance," and waved their hands over their heads for "The Hokey Pokey." This is not the sort of album you'll want to sit around and listen to, but if you're having friends over to the house and you're afraid they're going to talk about the federal budget, you might want to put this on. Because Brave Combo is a bohemian band from Austin, these songs have two layers. At the forefront of the mix, the tune and beat are strong and clear, but in the background, secondary beats and jazzy embellishments are complicating things. The band's approach is reflected in their notes for "The Bunny Hop:" "Cute dance for children or modern fertility rite? That's the same thing, isn't it? This version features an Aboriginal dronepipe (the didgeridoo) and quotations from Peter Cottontail and Duke Ellington's `Cottontail.'" --Geoffrey Himes« less
"We saw new dances like `The Freeze' and `The Achy Breaky' spreading like an epidemic in country dance halls," the members of Brave Combo write in the liner notes to their new album, Group Dance Epidemic. "Then terpsichorean plague struck--`The Macarena.' No one was spared, not even the vice president of the United States." Does Brave Combo, the polka-rock band from Texas, object to these developments? No, they love it. They are fervent evangelists for the democratizing and uplifting values of group dances, no matter how corny (plus it gives them more work). Thus the album features a dozen songs that have been dance-floor-tested for group participation, and the CD booklet comes with dance instructions for each. "The Freeze," "The Achy Breaky," and "The Macarena" are not included, but Van McCoy's disco classic, "The Hustle," is. Most of the others belong to an earlier age when dancers bent their knees and backs to do the "Limbo Rock," flapped their elbows to the "Chicken Dance," shuffled their soles to the "Mexican Hat Dance," and waved their hands over their heads for "The Hokey Pokey." This is not the sort of album you'll want to sit around and listen to, but if you're having friends over to the house and you're afraid they're going to talk about the federal budget, you might want to put this on. Because Brave Combo is a bohemian band from Austin, these songs have two layers. At the forefront of the mix, the tune and beat are strong and clear, but in the background, secondary beats and jazzy embellishments are complicating things. The band's approach is reflected in their notes for "The Bunny Hop:" "Cute dance for children or modern fertility rite? That's the same thing, isn't it? This version features an Aboriginal dronepipe (the didgeridoo) and quotations from Peter Cottontail and Duke Ellington's `Cottontail.'" --Geoffrey Himes
"This CD is unadulterated FUN. The band is tight. The recording is good. I love what they do with the music, styles and lyrics. My all time favorite, though, is the Bunny Hop. It's great swing. I can't listen to this selection only once. I always repeat it. TWO versions of the Hokey Pokey - who could ask for more?! The Limbo Rock / Hand Jive is great. I always sing along with Mana Vu. (Jeffrey is nuts (in a good and creative way).) That's my humble and entertained opinion."
Coordinate your steps and clap! Avoid the individuality trap
Glenn Brown | Chicago, IL United States | 08/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was walking through a record store one fine day and when this album was just out and froze in my tracks. I turned to the store owner and said "excuse me, are they playing the Hokey Pokey?"
The store owner said "Yep. Thats Brave Combo!"
I immediately said "I'd be stupid not to buy this!"
What I got was an album full of classic group dance songs. From the Hokey Pokey to the Chicken Dance to the Hustle. All done in a wonderfully tounge-in-cheek fashion. Its alot of fun!"
Worlds Greatest Dance Band
Donald Troxell | Ft. Worth, TX United States | 09/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is no other way to put it. I don't know how someone can listen to any of their music and not want to dance. Don T. Ft.Worth TX"
You have to appreciate Brave Combo to enjoy this disc
Donald Troxell | 10/20/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Brave Combo approaches their music with a distinctive tongue-in-cheek humor that is easily shared if you're of the mind to go with it. The group is very tight and adept at handling diverse songs such as The Hustle and Mexican Hat Dance. The rock and roll version of the Hokey Pokey on this CD is dangerously contageous - you may find yourself humming it throughout the day. The CD includes instructions for each dance. What could be more fun than following the instructions for the Chicken Dance? You'll also find new steps for the Jeapordy theme song. All-in-all, this isn't a CD for the unadventurous. For those with an appreciation of this band and their musical approach, though, this is a star addition to your collection of Brave Combo tunes."