As I have probably mentioned here before, I grew up in the Boston area. I was raised by public-radio-listening, Saab-driving, union-supporting parents. As such, from time to time throughout my childhood I found myself listening to topically comedic a capella music, such as The Bobs. (I had assumed until just now that The Bobs were from Boston - I know I saw them there at least once as a kid - but no! they were founded in San Francisco.)
I haven’t listened to them in years, and it’s probably not really my cup of tea any more, but I will always have a warm place in my heart for these guys and their instrumentless brethren. Sadly, the same can’t be said for most of the KCMU DJs of yore. This record managed to bring out not just a hearty dismissal of the music at hand, but the regrettable anti-reggae bias that is so often displayed by people who otherwise consider themselves open-minded musical experts. Tough crowd!
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“Pretty trendy stuff here -- a capella vocals with silly lyrics.” “This might be silly and all, but try to get your friends together one Friday night and sing like this.” “I’ve been with your friends on a Friday.” “‘Prisoner of Funk.’ Cooley!” “This sucks!” “That’s what I thought when I reviewed it -- but it really does get pretty good at times. Give it a fair spin.” “Mike, I agree. Even if you don’t like this it makes great transitional material from one style to another.” “I think it would be a good transition from reggae to dead air.” |
3 Comments
I’m just wondering what the significance is of your parents having driven a car manufactured by Saab.
Hm. I don’t know, I guess I just thought it helped provide a more complete picture. It’s hard to have perspective on which of the details of one’s childhood might or might not be significant or meaningful to others, you know?
This album is from 1984. They’ve put out 15 albums since then and call Seattle home now. The sound’s changed a lot - you can find them on Facebook!