Bellevue Cadillac
Prozac Nation

I picked up Prozac Nation, Bellevue Cadillac's first offering, and held it tightly in my hot little hands as I sprinted back home to play it. I had just seen the band live at the Trump Marina, and they were so explosive that by the end of the set, all that was left on stage was a pair of smoking two-tones.

Unfortunately, Bellevue Cadillac's debut album doesn't do them justice. Remember what it used to feel like when you put your money on the counter and you realized you couldn't get nearly as much candy as you had hoped for? Sure, what you did get tasted great, but you still felt a tinge of disappointment. That's how I felt about this CD. The Boston-based combo took some real chances with this recording, and consequently created an album that doesn't quite fit within the neo-swing genre. There are some great swingin' tunes—notably "Call of the Wild" and "Pull the Plug"—but other tracks like "Time" are better suited to sipping a hot toddy on a cold winter's night. The final result seemed uneven, which is frustrating because, damn it, these cats are fabulous live!

Part of the problem is simply the quality of the recording, which blunts the excellent musicianship of this band. The album's strongest suit, and the aspect that will probably give the group staying power are the complex and rich lyrics. Hip and witty and melded with nice melodies, the writing on these songs sparkle.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons, and hoofers will find there is something for everyone tempo-wise. So, take a trip just left of the beaten path and but this album. I have a sneaking suspicion we'll still be listening to it in a few years, after we tire of the straight swing combos.

Visit the band online at www.bellevuecadillac.com

—"Big Swing Daddy" Stephen Herman