These guys are pretty good for what they do. I'm sure you all know already, but just in case you don't, they are Swing. Their bio says they are a swing-influenced rock and roll band; if anything they are a swing band with a little bit of rock influence, but not a whole lot. The horns are bright, and the arrangements are rather good. Not as intricate or sophisticated as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, or some of the Brian Setzer Orchestra stuff, but still rather good. I did notice in the song credits, though, that they seemed to get some help on those arrangements. I'm not sure how much help they had with their horn arrangements, but they got at least a little bit of help from Dennis Culp of Five Iron Frenzy and their producer Masaki.
This isn't something I could listen to a lot, but it's still a CD I could have some fun to. If you like really in-depth and powerful lyrics, don't look to the W's to provide you with that. Actually a majority of their lyrics are rather cheesy. They also cover the song "Country Roads" by John Denver, and they really seem to be pushing it on that one. I can understand punk bands like Me First and the Gimme Gimme's covering John Denver tunes, but his songs just don't work with a swing feel. Don't get me wrong, these guys do have musical talent. Just not something that really grabs my attention. This band has definitely been a hit with a lot of people lately, so they must be doing something right. You could probably get your granny out on the dance floor cutting some rug with you to the W's, so I guess that's a good thing.
C+
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #81Reviewed by A Girl Called GordonThe boys from Oregon are back with another fun swing album. These guys have been practicing, it totally shows. They are more together and have been concentrating more on the improv part of their music. Brett, Val, and James are showing their band-geekness talent and sound like they are more comfortable playing with a guitar, bass, and drums. Todd and Brian show off their usual talented abilities…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by James StewartFresh from a high profile appearance with the legendary Larry Boy, the W's continue to peddle their brand of swing, ska and rock influenced pop songs. The tracks here are catchy enough to get most toes tapping, but it's debatable whether many will want to use this for recreational listening as there's not quite enough variety to keep going for 15 tracks. A fun release, but more one for parties…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Josh MarihughThe W's are notable for their silliness. Nobody said swing was supposed to be serious, but the W's take silliness to extremes. The silliest song is, of course, "The Rumor Weed". This was the first time that the VeggieTales gang called on any outside musical artist to join their happy throng. This is fortunate, since only the W's could keep up with the manic vegetables. The song, while replete…ReAL Magazine 1999Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksLast year they stormed the market with a debut CD, a fresh sound, and record setting sales. The successful debut CD, Fourth from the Last, earned two Dove Awards, became the highest selling debut album in the history of EMI Christian Group and landed the W's a spot on dc Talk's Supernatural tour. But now the W's are back with their sophomore release, Trouble With X. The first thing you'll notice…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by ConradThis is pretty much swing music. First off, these people know how to play. It's not a bunch of high school band kids getting together to catch the latest craze. The lead vocals are adequate, but lack any pizzazz or style and the mix is very vocal-heavy, reducing the punch factor. But again, the musicians are pretty good. This horn section is very tight - playing complicated arrangements. The…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by TimI saw these guys about a year ago with dc Talk. While they were mildly entertaining, there is nothing distinguishable about their music. It is decent swing with decent melodies and guitar. It's no Harry Connick, Jr., or Brian Setzer, but I will admit that it's better than most swing stuff out there. CDecapolis 1999Reviewed by Matt AUgh...swing. I didn't like the stuff when it was big, and I still don't really like it. The only swing band that I ever really liked is Royal Crown Revue because they're incredible musicians and it's more like 50's lounge music. There are traces of rockabilly in the new W's record, which help it out a little. If you're a fan of really happy ska or swing, then you might like this. I just can't get…
