Search - Buzzcocks :: BBC Sessions

I need more stars to rate this one!

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 07/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cartoonist R. Crumb has long had a sweet-tooth for old-time music; along with his duties as a countercultural icon, he's also spent decades obsessively collecting old blues and jazz 78s, and during the 1970s, '80s and '90s was a member in good standing of the old-timey revivalist stringband, the Cheap Suit Serenaders. In keeping with this passion, Crumb has put together this delightful -- ... -- collection of his favorite 1920s jazz 78s, highlighting the "sweet band" style that many jazz purists scorn as too pop-oriented. Rudy Vallee, Red Nichols and Paul Whiteman share disc space with more obscure acts such as Herman Kenin and His Ambassador Hotel Orchestra, and the bouncy, perky mix is irresistible. The CD also features plenty of swank R. Crumb drawings that his print-only fans should appreciate as well. Highly recommended!"

Deserted island status for me - expensive & WORTH it.

Elmer Sigmon | 09/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who is a fan of hot jazz, ancient Tin Pan alley & pure hokum from the 20's, you owe it to yourself to get this disc. In addition to the mindblowing selections (all hopelessly rare 78's) that Crumb made for this CD, it comes in a wonderful little book binding and every inch of it is illustrated and hand-worded by Crumb himself! This project was clearly a labor of love and the music is joyously innocent but swinging hard at every turn..."

A Phenomenal Compilation

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 11/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have long been a fan of Robert Crumb as both an artist and a musician and so was immediately attracted to this recording as it might give me some insight into his eccentric interests and talents.
With "That's What I Call Sweet Music", Crumb has assembled a phenomenal compilation of worthy but mostly long-forgotten songs by 24 different mostly forgotten bands.
Some of the lyrics are corny, the music at times seems vaguely cartoonish, but the execution is virtuoso. Featured musicians like Earl Hines, Rudy Vallee, and Paul Whiteman are at least familiar to music lovers of eclectic tastes, but Crumb also introduces more obscure orchestra leaders like Fred Rich, Leroy Smith, Paul Tremaine, Anson Weeks, and many others to a wider audience.
The entire CD really jumps and swings. If you are not a dancer, you'll wish you were when you hear it for the first time! I like the whole CD, but my favorites are the title cut, the hilarious (and true) Wedding Bells, the Aristocratic Stomp, and the playful Buy, Buy For Baby.
Rediscover the music that helped the 20s become one of the "fun" decades of the last century and add this CD to your collection. You'll be glad you did and so will your grandparents."