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I don't mean to upstage Beast and Eamon, but I'd like to give the old reviewing game a shot with a play by play on Royal Crown Revue's "Mugzy's Move." Here goes...
Artist: Royal Crown Revue
Length: 14 songs, daddy-o
Title: Mugzy's Move
Genre: Swing, my man
Fun For the Whole Family: oh yeah.
Standout Tracks: All of them.
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If you like swing, then Mugzy's Move is probably one of the best albums out there. If you're not a fan of the genre, then perhaps you should stop reading this review and go lawn mower racing or something. That's not to say that Royal Crown Revue isn't good, but they are a definite swing band. But enough of that. From the traditional big band "Hey Pachuko" to the contemporary blues "Beyond the Sea," it's all 100% swing. This effort is all good, if not exceptional. The incredible saxophone talents of Mando Dorame stand out on every track, as well as the excellent vocals and brass. The mood of the songs goes from happy and whimsical to forlorn and somber, and right back to bouncy and melodic. The title song, "Mugzy's Move" paints a brilliant picture of a "losing cat," and it's monotone monologue fits perfectly with the music, especially the percussion. My favorite, "Barflies on the Beach," boasts a virtuoso of horns and snare drums, as well as a lyrical tour guide, if you will, antagonizing some city boys to take a day out on the beach, all the while talking with a Bronx accent. He says it best with, "There's a place called the ocean, probably heard about it in school. They ain't got no matinis, but man it's really cool." "I Live the Life I Love" personifies a twenties swing musician's lifestyle perfectly. In fact, this whole album made me think of all the twenties period movies I've seen. That's this album's true selling point; it puts you in the roaring twenties and challenges you not to think of flashy night clubs, showgirls, Tommy Guns, and Brooklyn mobsters. If you even remotely like swing, buy this album. With smart lyrics, swingin' music, and some really cool saxophone solos, it'd be a crime not to. It's a true gem. "Now get outta here, ya bums!"
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