The Claudettes have a new record. It's their fourth. I hadn't heard of them before this week, but this intrigued me- "The Claudettes are the only band to successfully meld soul, rock, punk, and cabaret into an intoxicating stew."
Then I see that my old friend Steve Berkowitz co-produced the new record "Garage Glamour." Leader Johnny Iguana happens to be Steve's nephew, Brian Berkowitz. All of this was enough for me to give it a spin. I figured I had a good bet.
I am not hearing much of the five styles they purportedly meld successfully. What I do hear is an amazing vocalist in Rachel Williams who more often than not channels the great Julie Driscoll, as well as Grace Slick occasionally.
It's hard to nail just where "Garage Glamour" falls musically. Much of it reminds me of those rare early 80's singles that didn't quite fall into electronica or new wave. Think Mari Wilson, Belle Stars and Lene Lovich. It's a big record and maybe that's where the word cabaret comes into play. What I love most about "Garage Glamour" is that in just a little over 33 minutes, the band manages to cover so much musical ground, I felt like I was listening to a brilliant 80's mixed tape.
1 comment:
That gal can really sing -- thanks for the heads up!!!
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