Bodice Rippers: trashy romance novels that involve the aggressive removal of period clothing; or, cabaret/punk/billy band from Oakland.

Very crisp production. Every vocal and instrument is clear and sharp. Neat stereo separation means that each instrument appears to be played from a discrete spot. Torch-singer female vocals, epic lyrics, concise vocal-centric songs, slow-to-mid pace. Big winner. For those who love Squirrel Nut Zippers, Brian Setzer/Stray Cats, or if you wear a rigid pompadour with a white t-shirt and stiff Levis or a poodle skirt.

FCCs: possibly 6 (talk of disembowelment, severed heads, and what not)
Try: 2,3
*=liked, **=loved

1.* 2:20 nice opening, with nice separation/interplay between organ and guitar, which play, respectively, funk- and rockabilly-sounding riffs. Fem vox that crescendo like Freddie Mercury, singing about what a “bad girl” she’s been to her man, reversing the usual rockabilly crooner dynamic. Nice.

2.** 3:11 “south of the border” drum rhythms, awesome collaboration btw acoustic and electric guitars that is some combination of Old West and rockabilly. Old West ballad sound structure. Vibrato in voice recalls... Billie Holliday? Nina Simone? Wicked kazoo solo @ 1:45. Loved.

3.** 2:52 slow. this is a more of a “period piece” a la Squirrel Nut Zippers, with two big horns, marching drum beat that cuts in and out to dramatic effect. Lyrics about how she needs someone new because she let herself be “sweet-talked” by a charming cheater.

4.* 4:00 mid. jumping ‘billy guitar. drums are faster than the first 3 songs, but still cut out now and then. Killer “Old West” piano solo @ 1:35. Vocals toward the end get a bit cliched, but overall a fun number.

5.* 3:08 slow and dramatic. guitar, horns, organ play discrete chords. Organ gets funkier toward the end.

6.** 4:42 mid-fast with change of tempo to slow/cabaret now and then. starts off with some cool south-of-the border acoustic guitar picking, wood xylophone, faked bird calls. elec guitar and drums really jam, with a funky organ every now and then. You’ll get a kick out of the (somewhat) disturbed lyrics. Female torch, which harmonizes with male vox whenever the chorus requires them to say ¡Tigerero!, which made me chuckle every time. POSSIBLE FCC: description of bodily dismemberment via tiger during first chorus, use your judgment.