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Smell the Mitten doesn't sound like a huge, boss, hit-bound record on first listen, but that just goes to show you. The album draws on all original material, but they're all splattered with a retro feel, and that's a good thing! With plenty of talent, easy confidence and self-deflating humor ("Sugar Daddy," "Seattle"), the colorful Hot Toddies will win (and break) countless hearts, especially when they present this disc live, injecting warmth and graciousness via 50's doo-wop, 60's surf rock, and whatever else that it is that they do, into mega-pop hits. What's also cool about The Hot Toddies is they don't sabotage the music with over- zealousness or blandness. They're music showcases their inspirations like the Go-Go's, The Flirts, and The Ronettes, but without any appolgies. They capture their influences brassy allure, and artistic charm, although some of their material is somewhat bizarre ("HTML," "Wet Dream"), but awkwardly funny, and yes, easy to dance to! "Motorscooter" and "Rocker Girl" sound like a danceable slices of Summer, like something kitschy, and rockin' that The B-52's should be doing (when are they going to put a new album out and tour)? Overall, fancier or more rugged production would reduce the group's amateurish appeal, and obscure their quirky personalities, and superb songwriting talents.
The Hot Toddies are one of those bands that you know would just sound and look great live. And just to show you that The Hot Toddies mean business, the last song "Ocean," has three-part harmonies (like the rest of the songs,) with just a ukulele as accompaniment; it’s a cute little ditty of a Summer beach tune. This is one cool band! - Phil Rainone back to jerseybeat.com l back to top |
