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MP3 Album Price: $9.99
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After nearly two decades of not performing together, Holy Modal Rounders founders Steve Weber and Peter Stampfel reunited, playing shows and recording this 1999 release. Undaunted by changing times or their own increasing ages (Stampfel was sixty when this was recorded, Weber a few years behind), this is as riveting, raw and real as their first recordings from the early '60s.
TOO MUCH FUN! is, like the group's other efforts, a mix of obscure and beloved covers and a few originals by the Rounders and/or their cohorts. Of the former, their are a handful of traditional numbers, as well as selections by Roy Acuff, Pee Wee King and Blind Willie Johnson. Among the latter are songs by each of the two members (including revisited versions of "Euphoria" and "Antoinette") and Michael Hurley's "Tea Song." Stampfel and Weber continue to imbue their performances with incredible spur-of-the-moment, flying-by-the-seat-of-their-pants honesty. This disc finds the Rounders as irresistible as ever.
Recording information: Studio at Puck's Farm.
Photographer: Betsy Wollheim.
The Holy Modal Rounders: Peter Stampfel (vocals, guitar, banjo, madolin, fiddle); Steve Weber (vocals, guitar); Dave Reisch (vocals, bass); Don Rooke (slide guitar).
Personnel: Peter Stampfel (vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle); Steve Weber (vocals, guitar); Dave Reisch (vocals); Don Rooke (slide guitar).
Rolling Stone (9/16/99, p.118) - 3.5 stars (out of 5) - "...Now fiftysomething plus, Stampfel, Weber and bassist Dave Reisch share a practically telepathic musical connection: Weber's wild country scat-singing twangs and burns like Stampfel's notebending banjo playing..." Spin (10/99, p.165) - 8 out of 10 - "...every bit as fine as their debut....the Rounders at their off-handed finest, it's ugly, but pretty; experimental, yet anchored in the folkstreams of what [Peter] Stampfel once called the impossible groove..." CMJ (7/26/99, p.24) - "...the Rounders' pioneering racket, with its...spirited sense of fun, is likely to grab your heart." Dirty Linen (12/99-1/00, p.73) - "...the boys never lost their unique appeal....They pick up right where they left off, with bent folk-country plaints, Rounderized trad tunes, original bubble-gum, a Hurley number...and a couple of remakes....some real gems..."
Holy Modal Rounders - Too Much Fun! Album Track Listing
Trk
Song
Time
Price
1
Happy Rolling Cowboy
2:01
$0.99
2
Antoinette
2:30
$0.99
3
Bad Boy
3:41
$0.99
4
Violets So Blue
2:55
$0.99
5
Euphoria
2:51
$0.99
6
Sail Away Ladies
1:41
$0.99
7
Penny's Farm
2:47
$0.99
8
Bonaparte's Retreat
2:03
$0.99
9
Tea Song
2:35
$0.99
10
Precious Jewel
3:31
$0.99
11
Blues Serenade
2:23
$0.99
12
Skin Game
2:22
$0.99
13
Long Journey
1:56
$0.99
14
Crowley Waltz
1:43
$0.99
15
Little Girl And The Dreadful Snake
3:05
$0.99
16
Year Of Jublio
2:15
$0.99
17
New John The Revelator
2:41
$0.99
Too Much Fun! Music Review
Customer Too Much Fun! Reviews
Average Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)
The Boys Are Back in Town The Holy Modal Rounders are back! Returning to the near form of their first two Elektra releases, the Rounders have put together a joyous set of exuberant, foot-stomping revelry. Still interpreting music with one foot in tradition and the other (we're assuming they have two feet) in their own universe, the Modals are modestly transporting us to their reverent yet fun-filled world. Borrowing and updating songs from the first two classic albums; Euphoria, Sail Away Ladies and Crowley Waltz, plus a few eccentic originals mixed with renderings of tunes from friends (Robin Remaily and Michael Hurley)and more customary fare from country, blues and old-timey, the pair, with bassist David Reisch, still haven't lost the ability to put a smile on our face. When need be, they can play it straight, as in their heart-rendering version of Roy Acuff's Precious Jewel.
This record is a very satisfying musical collection of esoterica which comes close to matching the originals in spirit and form. If you want to just kick back and enjoy yourself, you certainly can do no worse than putting this CD in the player. As much as you might, try and stop that grin from appearing after a couple of notes. If you really want to double your pleasure, read the booklet as you listen. Good stuff! Submitted by a reviewer (New York, NY) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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