BOSSA NOVA BEATNIKS
Flyboy & The Rhythm Bandits (self-released)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Kentucky born singer/guitarist/bassist/songwriter and all around indie Renaissance man Tom Gould has been putting together bands in the New York area for about a decade, first the Rhythm Bandits, then the Flyboys and for his last six releases the Bossa Nova Beatniks. The names are relatively irrelevant, though, as are the rotating lineups that have worked under them. What's important is Gould's approach to having fun making music that's fun to listen to, and there's ample evidence of that approach on the latest BNB release, Flyboy & The Rhythm Bandits.

Elements of all the bands are on hand, whether in the form of recovered tracks, such as the opener, "Fly In The Ointment," which dates from 1983, or in the recycled rhythm tracks with new lyrics that make up half of the album. In other places you'll find a live cut from the spring of 2002, covers of Gould songs by Cyn Post and Jerry Dugger, a cover of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" by Gould himself and the Beatniks doing the Beatles. As always, regardless of the players, vintage or source of the material, you'll find Tom Gould and his friends having fun playing music, and as always, you'll have fun listening to it.

Track List:

Fly In The Ointment * Always Be With Me * Fly With Me * Don't Let Me Down * Feel The Love In Them Troubled Times * Melancholy Day * Let Me Out * Behave Yourself * Route 66 * Feel The Love In New Jack City * Fear Of Love * Edgy O'Rourke

[Pick this up at http://www.cdbaby.com.]

© 2002 - Shaun Dale