With the swing revival in full...uh...swing, the Screamin' Rays are one of the many new bands to crash onto the scene. However, they are different from most of the new groups out there. Unlike other swing bands, the Screamin' Rays present virtually no progression from what was around so many decades ago. Male vocals sometimes frightfully similar to Elvis and the rock 'n roll guitar riffs, as well as the jazzy horns and piano playing, create a very Oldies feel.
The first thing I learned about the Screamin' Rays was that Crystal Lewis is one of the main vocalists. The second thing I learned was that, for this project, she changed her name to Crystal Ray. All five members of the band did, resulting in names such as Sting Ray and X Ray.
The Attack of the Screamin' Rays is not yet another swing release like all the rest. It's jazzy rockabilly with a nice upbeat mood and the occasional tender tune, as on Lewis-sung "Why Are You Cryin?" Sadly, that is one of the only numbers on which Lewis sings. Fans of Lewis' other projects shouldn't buy this based on the fact that she's a member. Instead, I'd recommend it to older people who are feeling nostalgic or whoever wants to know what the original swing scene was like. You won't get much closer to it than the Screamin' Rays.
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Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Alex KlagesThe revival of old, seemingly antiquated forms of pop music over the past couple of years has had its highs and lows. The emergence of swing-influenced bands such as the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and others, has had a positive influence on the radio airwaves, taking over from the overworked ska clichés. Unfortunately, as with any new craze, many of the swing revival bands…Similar sounding releases
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