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BANG TANGO - From the Hip CD Review
In 2005, Bang Tango really won me over when I picked up 2004's 'Ready to Go'. I was already a fan of Beautiful Creatures and had heard some Bang Tango before that but really got into the band when I discovered that record. From there, I worked my way back through their catalog and found a lot of great songs that are still on my play list today. So, I was naturally anxious when I saw they were releasing a new CD called 'From the Hip'. I was pretty patient with this one as it was initially supposed to be released in May and got pushed back to a late September release. I anxiously placed an early order on the Perris Records web site and got it just days after it was finally released. And, I must say I have a mixed reaction to the disc. The thing that I love about Bang Tango's catalog is it is pretty diverse. It ranges from funky bass lines to screaming metal and back again. Hell, 'Ready to Go' is a musical adventure in and of itself with the diversity of that record simply blowing me away. That diversity is not on display as much on this disc. I'm not saying it isn't a good record as it is. But, it isn't as diversely mind blowing as 'Ready to Go' was. Song by song, here's a review. 1. It's All Ok A great opening track. Great hooks, great vocals, and very cool feel. This track really has a lot of Velvet Revolver elements mixed with an almost Beautiful Creatures style. Very good opening track. 2. Ain't Nothin' Better Well, on this album there are better tracks. This song has great elements but the chorus is just a little lacking. It's not a bad song but it isn't going to set the world on fire. 3. Go, Go, Go This song kicks some serious ass. It has a classic feel to the open and simply doesn't stop at any point in the song. This is one that probably would translate very well live as the lyrics are so freaking cool you almost want to sing along at first listen. Very hair metal and to me, that's very cool. Joe Leste sounds sensational on this cut and all the elements and stars are in perfect alignment here. This one could've been a great track on 'Ready to Go'. 4. Carry Me Up This song is very sweet and has some pretty good lyrics. I think the only thing that is missing is some sort of polishing on the production... Everything is there for this one to be a classic but it just doesn't feel like the production is complete on it for some reason. Regardless, sweet song with good lyrics. 5. Mother Mary This one is for the classic Bang Tango fan. If you liked the song Dressed Up Vamp, this one is for you. In fact, I even think they used similar production elements on Joe's voice. Strong track but still not quite mind blowing. 6. Get Used to It! Awesome elements to this song but it seems to be unfinished. It starts out like a real classic and right where a guitar solo should be, the song magically seems to be done... Great potential on this song but doesn't feel finished. 7. I'm the One This is another one for the classic Bang Tango fan. A touch bluesy but it explores Joe Leste's amazing voice a little more and feels polished. This one feels complete and well tooled. I really like this cut. 8. Simple This song has a lot of great elements. The musicianship is killer on this cut including drums that stand out and a great guitar riffs. I like the song itself as a whole but again it feels like a touch of production is missing especially on the vocals not that Leste's voice needs any digital assistance... Only the American Idol folks need the digital assistance in singing... You know, the singing contest winners who are shocked to find out when recording that they can't hold a note for more than 2 seconds because they keep doing Whitney Houston impressions by doing every one of the Sound of Music notes in one word.... Oh yeah, mixing. Mixing is the word I meant. It needed a touch more mixing. 9. One More Spin This song kicks ass. This one combines classic Bang Tango with 'Ready to Go' Bang Tango and hits the mark perfectly. 10. Angel Devil If you have Tesla's 'Into the Now' CD, this final cut reminds me of the final cut on that disc... Very basic, very dark, and clearly has a lot of meaning to the singer. Overall, it is not a bad record. In fact, it's pretty good. But, despite the several month delay, it still doesn't feel complete. I hate to keep comparing it to 'Ready to Go' but that record was so complete, well produced, and had such great songs that almost anything that followed would be a disappointment. This isn't quite a disappointment but I will say that I had hoped for an album a little closer to that one. My favorites? It's All Ok, Go, Go, Go, Simple for the musicianship, and One More Spin. So, that's 4 songs on the record I am very high on with a few that I like and only a few that I'd call duds. Not too bad. I'll give it 4 of 5 stars.
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