The Grouchy Gaijin's Thoughts on Music and Such

A while back Tony Mcgarrett emailed me asking if I'd give a listen to his music.

I'm just now getting around to his stuff and I wish I hadn't waited so long.  I like this band.  You can check out their music at their My Space page.

The Ottband is out of London England.  I'm not really sure how they classify their music.  It sounds like R & B / Reggae influenced pop to me.  At times I'm reminded of Paul Young (I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down) at times they remind me of the Fine Young Cannibals. I also hear some resemblance to the Clash when they were doing Reggae.  Whatever you call it, they sound good.  I'd love to see these guys live.

Track 1: You Drugs and Booze - This is a blues track.  I really like guitar with an effect (or maybe a synthesizer?) It comes in grinding and really starts to groove as the bass comes in and lays down the bottom making way for the drummer to come in and pick up the swing beat.  The vocals sound good as he softly sings/speaks the lyrics.  The vocals are nice, but really serve as a way to separate the song into parts while the rest of the band cranks out a very soulful jam.

Track 2: Don't Know - Again the vocals on top sound good, but the best part is the way the bass once again puts down the bottom so the drummer can play a lot of really nice fills.  Their horn man makes an appearance and it adds a lot to the song.  The band is having a blast!    I love it when the band has FUN playing their music.  These guys would be a great party band.

Track 3: Rolling - This song is for the horn lovers.  Check it out.  The keyboard and horns rule this song.  Once again the drummer is in a groove - its just so infectious.  The spoken vocals in the throughout the song are a bit cheesy, but the music is so tight and for lack of a better word, groovy that it doesn't matter.  The car wreck / Ambulance sound effects at the end are pretty lame but don't really distract from the song.

Track 4: Six Million Miles - The spoken vocals with an echo effect are getting on my nerves.  Once again though the drummer keeps my attention.  The synthesizer  is having a field day.  I think this is an OK song.  The spoken vocals are starting to get old though.

Track 5: Love Me - This is a Reggae song.  I like it.  The drummer is again having a blast while the keys bounce around and the horns play on the edges.  Is that a harmonica I hear?  These guys must be a LOT of fun live.

Track 6: What Can I Do? - This sounds like a Christmas song.  The keyboard, horns and drums all sound good.  Unfortunately I don't like the vocals on this track.  I'm not sure if it's the lyrical content Baby what can I do? / Tell me what I got to do to  get my present out of you/  or maybe I'm just getting tired of the spoken vocals talking to me over the music.  The female backup singers sound good though - it reminds me of something out of Motown.

All in all I like these guys.  They get a Grouch rating of  3 scowls out of 5.  Would I go see them live?  You bet!  Would I buy their album?  Yes.    I have the feeling that their live performances are a lot of fun.

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