Album Details

• Artist: Diablo Swing Orchestra
• Album: Sing Along Songs For The Damned & Delerious
• Label: Sensory
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2009-11-20

Every once and a while an album grabs me by the balls and doesn't let go. The Diablo Swing Orchestra's new effort, Sing-Along Songs For The Damned And Delirious, is one such album. I went in with no expectations whatsoever, pulled in by the whimsical children oriented cover and brilliant album title and then there was no turning back. For some damn reason I can't listen to anything else and it's been 3 days!

Imagine if Mr. Bungle headed out on tour with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the tour bus collided with an opera house. You'd think chaos would run rampant but in the end we get a wonderful hodgepodge of styles that get along quite nicely if you just give it a chance. The musicianship on Sing-Along Songs is outstanding and the production enhances the styles. Normally I would cringe at a voice such as Annloucie Wolger's high operatic style vocals but the music keeps me holding on to every note. As if Metal, Swing, Opera are not enough, you could even throw in jazz and klezmer music for good measure. It's not all furiously paced. There are many moments where the musicians are happy to bask in some lower key instrumental parts. If I was in a band, it would be something along this line. If I had to pick one song to sample, it would have to be "Ricerca Dell'anima". It has everything!

The album tops out at 10 songs and 48 minutes and I am left wishing this was a full-length opera. Something very powerful is at play with this Swedish genre-hopping band. Don't miss out.

User Reviews and Comments

on 2009-11-18 dscanland Said:

Am I ever enjoying Sing Along Songs for the Damned & Delirious! What does that say about me? Expect a review soon.
Not Rated