Jacaranda
CD – 'Falling For Bad Girls'
On their second full-length release, Jacaranda has created a classic
of insanity. It is fitting that they cover the band Madness on
the second track here, “Our House”.
They begin with “My Parents Garage,” a garage rock
classic even without its subject matter. Lines like “I’m
not taking orders/Work blows dogs for quarters” are funny
while having dark overtones.
“Wonder Woman”, an ode to the comic book character,
is a tasty bit of funk that includes “Big Gay Lou”
Reyes on sax. There are many guest horns on various tracks and
many have a full horn section, adding a rich sound. The four band
members play a variety of instruments. Keyboards are as prevalent
as guitars.
“Eggplant Girl” asks the subject “Don’t
turn into an eggplant/Stay my passion fruit girl.” It begins
as a beautiful, spacey tune that turns into horn based jazz-rock,
something that you would not expect from the lyrics. Jacaranda
is a band good for surprises.
Through the CD there are versions of a song called “Revolution”,
which features a harpsichord sound and the lyrics that include
“I couldn’t stop thinking about the French Revolution”.
“Lovers in Space” describes a romance using science
fiction images. “Lovin’ A Girl From Venus” continues
the theme. The subject matter of “Smokin’ Doobs”
can be figured out from the title. “Baby, Will You Still
Put Out?” is a country ditty that warps the theme of the
Beatles’s “When I’m Sixty Four”.
“Circle of Confusion” is a serious track describing
disgust about the political system. The funniest song may be “Doin’
It For Beads”, a satirical look at a venerated Mardi Gras
custom.
This is an enhanced CD. When you play it in a PC, you can read
the lyrics (they are on the CD sleeve, also), and it has links
that let you E-mail the band or go to their record company’s
website.
A great CD, recommended for its variety, humor, and well-integrated
jazz and funk influences.
Web site at http://www.jacaranda101.com.
- Dave Howell
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