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Dave's
True Story
Dave's True Story
 This
rerelease of the self-titled debut CD by the New York
duo Dave's True Story (BeBop Records) breathes fresh life
into an album that deserves a second look. The 15 tracks
on this quirky collection call to mind tinkling martini
glasses and dimly lit lounges, and make for perfect background
music at your next cocktail mixer.
The
CD kicks off with the zippy "Sequined Mermaid Dress",
a tongue-in-cheek track featuring Andy Snitzer on tenor
sax. On the other end of the spectrum, "Another Hit,"
third on the disc, has a purely noir feel. One could almost
imagine Veronica Lake singing the number in a smoky cabaret,
if she ever did such things. "Flexible Man"
calls to mind the beatnik coffee houses of the '60s, whereas
"Crazy Eyes" is a kicky Latin-tinged number
that makes you want to shake your maracas.
The album has a laid back lounge feel overall, although
"Marisa" is more folksy and raw, and "Like
a Rock" exudes a kind of breathless sexual urgency.
The two covers include "Fever", on which vocalist
Kelly Flint practically channels Peggy Lee, and Rogers
& Hart's plaintiff "Blue Moon." Kelly Flint's
alternately sultry and flirty vocals are perfectly suited
to the material throughout, and she literally seems to
merge with the music. Songwriter Dave Cantor knows how
to strike just the right retro vibe, and his subtle jazz
guitar never overpowers the poetic emphasis of his compositions.
The
new release features four bonus tracks, including the
aforementioned covers and a 2002 remix of "Crazy
Eyes", that make it worth seeking out in lieu of
the original. As the latest Austin Powers film brings
attention back to the groovy sounds of the '60s, mainstream
America may just be ready for the coo-coo tunes by these
steady swingers.
—Joanne
O'Day
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