Mirroring secular counterparts, Christian ska and swing bands continue to infuse the contemporary-Christian-music market. The W's made quite a splash with their debut, Fourth from the Last, winning a 1999 Dove Award for be... more »st modern rock/alternative album. While there's an irony about retro-swingers like the W's winning a "modern rock" award, you can't deny that these six young men from Corvallis, Oregon, spin up a spirited and punchy set of horn-driven swing-ska. Singer-guitarist Andrew Schar introduces us to a safe, but colorful array of slackers, skaters, and surfers that populate his world. Bassist Todd Gruener and drummer Brian Morris lay a solid rhythm track throughout and provide a foundation for the jumpin' jive from Valentine Hellman (tenor sax, clarinet), Bret Barker (trumpet), and James Carter (alto sax). --Michael Lyttle« less
Mirroring secular counterparts, Christian ska and swing bands continue to infuse the contemporary-Christian-music market. The W's made quite a splash with their debut, Fourth from the Last, winning a 1999 Dove Award for best modern rock/alternative album. While there's an irony about retro-swingers like the W's winning a "modern rock" award, you can't deny that these six young men from Corvallis, Oregon, spin up a spirited and punchy set of horn-driven swing-ska. Singer-guitarist Andrew Schar introduces us to a safe, but colorful array of slackers, skaters, and surfers that populate his world. Bassist Todd Gruener and drummer Brian Morris lay a solid rhythm track throughout and provide a foundation for the jumpin' jive from Valentine Hellman (tenor sax, clarinet), Bret Barker (trumpet), and James Carter (alto sax). --Michael Lyttle
Aileen R. (aileen) from N HOLLYWOOD, CA Reviewed on 5/17/2008...
"Mirroring secular counterparts, Christian ska and swing bands continue to infuse the contemporary-Christian-music market. The W's made quite a splash with their debut, Fourth from the Last, winning a 1999 Dove Award for best modern rock/alternative album. While there's an irony about retro-swingers like the W's winning a "modern rock" award, you can't deny that these six young men from Corvallis, Oregon, spin up a spirited and punchy set of horn-driven swing-ska. Singer-guitarist Andrew Schar introduces us to a safe, but colorful array of slackers, skaters, and surfers that populate his world. Bassist Todd Gruener and drummer Brian Morris lay a solid rhythm track throughout and provide a foundation for the jumpin' jive from Valentine Hellman (tenor sax, clarinet), Bret Barker (trumpet), and James Carter (alto sax)." --Michael Lyttle (from Amazon.com)
Donna K. (anchcb) from HUBBARDSTON, MA Reviewed on 8/31/2006...
similiar to,mighty mighty bosstones,five iron frenzy
Kelly N. from SAINT PETERS, MO Reviewed on 8/24/2006...
Energetic, fun music!
CD Reviews
I think im in love...
Kayla | Texas, USA | 07/13/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Wonderful CD... as Mike said up there theyre not ska, they're swing, but they're still very good if you like the style. I went to a DC talk concert, and ended up liking the W's more. The W's broke up in 2000 i think, which was a very very sad day. But good news for all you The W's fans, The lead singer, Andrew Schar, has a new band, called Alpha-Charlie. They're far from famous yet, and their style is a lot different, but they're still awesome. Visit them at www.alpha-charlie.com."
Talk about a revival (in both terms)!
Everett | Rio Rancho, NM USA | 07/30/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"No way did I would ever hear any music like this except for when I was around my grandpa in the car playing the old radio stations (which I have learned to love in the past 13 years of living with my grandparents). Just recently when I turned 15, me and my christian friend were driving home, and I popped one of his CD's that said the W's on it. I had never heard of them, but when my friend told me they were more of a swing band, I couldn't help but have a piqued interest. I thought, "Hey, it's christian music, what could I expect"
All I can say is that my eyes got pretty wide listening to it. I thought it was going to be a cheasy CD I would never listen to again. Boy, was I wrong. The W's are amazing. They play swing like no other of their time, or even in the 60's. Plus, it's adding in a good christian feel to it. I know they didn't have christian swing back then, but times have changed, and thank God they have! I loved "The Devil is bad" which is pretty much the only song I listen to now that I have it. The others are pretty good too, like "Moses", but not nearly as catchy as the earlier mentioned. Awesome! It's a revival of music, and christianity! LOL"
Better than cherry poppin daddies!
Everett | 11/03/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"this cd is quality...if you want a cd to make u happy and get u swingin get this cd! the w's combine upliftin beats with great lyrics that actually mean something(well some of the time) alarm clock, open minded and devil is bad are the most rateable tracks!! theyre better than cherry poppin' daddies so u know they swing and do it in style!"
I saw these Guy's in Seattle w/ DC Talk And they were awesom
Ty | Seattle, WA | 10/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have not even heard the cd but, I just ordered it. If these guys are half as good as they are in concert then I am in for a real treat. It is normally a band is good on cd and bad live. These guys were awesome"
I LUV THE W'S
Megan | Baton Rouge, LA, USA | 05/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"omgosh this is a great cd i first heard the group when i heard the song "The Devil is Bad" and luved it! i also like this cd b/c it has really funny songs like "Dexter"and "Frank" i usually don't like "swing" but this cd could make anyone love it...these r the kind of songs that stick in ur head for years and u never forget the lyrics b/c they're so memorable"