Despite the title of the New Orleans-based Subdudes' previous album, Behind the Levee was recorded pre-Katrina. A lot of water has passed under the bridge--literally and figuratively--since then, which impacts the sound of... more » the band's first post-hurricane release. Although the reformed group's approach has always tempered upbeat material with a darker, more soulful edge, their sixth studio release, Street Symphony, exudes a heightened mood of bittersweet melancholy. Even Steve Amedee's ever-present tambourine seems to be less frisky as the disc unwinds at its own rather subdued (no pun intended) pace. Lead vocalist/songwriter Tommy Malone has seldom sounded more committed, wrapping his dusky voice around a vibrant set of originals with lyrics that occasionally reference New Orleans' most horrific experience. Songs such as "I'm Your Town" ("who's going to save me?") and the deceptively jaunty melody of "Poor Man's Paradise"--the story of an impoverished, homeless man whose appreciation of life's little things, like the music of Fats Domino, gets him through impossibly difficult times--impart a solemn but hopeful acceptance. The "her" in "Thorn in Her Side" refers to the Statue of Liberty, as John Magnie's accordion adds unusual sorrow to Malone's controlled anger. The beautifully bluesy "No Man" is arguably Malone's most revelatory and touching love song, performed with the proud resignation that courses through every track of this heartfelt, thought-provoking, and emotionally moving set. --Hal Horowitz« less
Despite the title of the New Orleans-based Subdudes' previous album, Behind the Levee was recorded pre-Katrina. A lot of water has passed under the bridge--literally and figuratively--since then, which impacts the sound of the band's first post-hurricane release. Although the reformed group's approach has always tempered upbeat material with a darker, more soulful edge, their sixth studio release, Street Symphony, exudes a heightened mood of bittersweet melancholy. Even Steve Amedee's ever-present tambourine seems to be less frisky as the disc unwinds at its own rather subdued (no pun intended) pace. Lead vocalist/songwriter Tommy Malone has seldom sounded more committed, wrapping his dusky voice around a vibrant set of originals with lyrics that occasionally reference New Orleans' most horrific experience. Songs such as "I'm Your Town" ("who's going to save me?") and the deceptively jaunty melody of "Poor Man's Paradise"--the story of an impoverished, homeless man whose appreciation of life's little things, like the music of Fats Domino, gets him through impossibly difficult times--impart a solemn but hopeful acceptance. The "her" in "Thorn in Her Side" refers to the Statue of Liberty, as John Magnie's accordion adds unusual sorrow to Malone's controlled anger. The beautifully bluesy "No Man" is arguably Malone's most revelatory and touching love song, performed with the proud resignation that courses through every track of this heartfelt, thought-provoking, and emotionally moving set. --Hal Horowitz
Someday this group's going to take their place alongside the
R. Kyle | USA | 09/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Subdudes are one of Nawlins' best-kept secrets. They've been making music for the past twenty years. With each CD, I keep expecting a big hit. Perhaps "Street Symphony" is the one.
The music's good solid basic rock with a bluesy jazz flair. This group believes in keeping it light enough to travel and they could just as easily set up on the corner as Carnegie Hall. In live sets, none of the band members will play anything that they cannot carry onto the stage themselves. The drummer plays a tambourine set and the keyboardist totes an accordion. By the way, they're impressive, straightforward, and more fun than I've had at almost any live venue. If you have a chance to see them, don't miss out. Their shows are well worth the time.
Their songs are often stories, like some of the best folk-rockers. I got caught up in the uplifting ones from prior albums, notably "Miracle Mule". This collection in general is a bit less lighthearted than prior ones.
The group opens up with a rocker in "Fountain of Youth," which is offers a pretty succinct description of many of us:
Take your pills
Take your time
You can take your pulse and see if you've died
You can hide your thoughts
You can hide your gold
You can hide your heart
But you can't hide old
There's more reflection than just the opener, though. "Street Symphony" is the first CD the Louisiana natives have produced since Katrina ravaged their homes.
"Poor Man's Paradise" is the publicized single for this CD and details the homelessness and poverty among the people still left there and how the folks are doing their best to make it out all right.
"Thorn in her Side" is probably the strongest protest on the album.
Money and blood spillin' on the sand
Plantin' our flag in someone else's land
What about the people for which it stands
How about takin' care of our own
Like the people down South
Drownin' in their homes?
"Work Clothes On" talks about responsibility. The temptation to play hooky from work and go fishin' leads to unpaid bills and eventually his work clothes are an orange prison jumper.
The remainder of the CD all has messages, beautifully written and performed. If you haven't heard them, give the Subdudes a try. If you liked their prior releases, you will more than likely enjoy this one as well."
Sound and Vision Mag says best CD of the Century
C. VanDoren | Albany NY | 09/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sound and vision mag (used to be Stereo Review way back...) gave this CD a Sound and Vision "Reference CD" stamp which is pretty rare and high praise. But in case that was not enough the reviewer said that for all the reasons listed in his review he thought this was the best CD yet of this century. The review should be listed at their web site in a few weeks so you can check it out yourself.
I will echo the other reviewers who said this is a live show not to be missed. Speaking of reviews, our local paper (Schenectady NY) said their show was the best concert of the year and I agree."
More great music!
Fred Coleman | VA USA | 09/05/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you know this band, you will love the new album. If you don't know this band, you will love the new album. Yeah, I'm a big fan, but I listen to lots of music and this is some of the best around. Thoughtful lyrics, great tunes, and some of the best harmony goin'. These guys are exceptional in concert and play all over the country. Hopefully, you'll get to hear them. They are gracious enough to talk and sign CDs, clothes, whatever after a show. They are down to earth people, not pretentious "stars". Spread the word. Peace."
Quite Simply, The Finest Band In America
Randy Thompson | 10/31/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Need I say more! Unmatched by any group playing today for sustained soulful excellence. Great songwriting matches up with beautiful musicanship to create a sound I can only describe as heavenly. The boys are truly touched by the Hand of The Almighty! Try listening to any one of their albums and not being moved close to tears. "Symphony" is their best work since "Annunciation" and that was a Masterpiece. Crawl on your hands and knees, if need be, to see them live. You will not believe music like this exists. And boys if you read this, get to St. Louis as soon as you can. We are waiting!!!"
Collision course
Bruce Gibeau | Denver | 09/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw the band 4 times this year and at first was a little resistant to the new songs they were playing which were part of the Street Symphony CD. Now that I have listened to the CD for a week, pretty much full time, I can only wonder when these guys will be on stage receiving a well deserved Grammy. I just want to share this with everyone I know. A very powerful work of art."