Swing dancing is really fun, and this 1996 album from Squirrel Nut Zippers will certainly get the swingers (not the mom-and-pop kinds that congregate afterhours but more of the Mike Peters/Trent Walker type I guess?) going. The Chapel Hill band consisting of James “Jimbo” Mathus” and co., released Hot in 1996, and the album went platinum, a telling tale of the Swing Revival that was sweeping through LA, America, and beyond at the time (remember the Gap commercial with that Brian Setzer Orchestra track?). “Hell” is probably the most recognizable tune on the LP, but don’t sleep on “Put A Lid On It,” “Memphis Exorcism,” and “Bad Businessman”; they are fun, upbeat tunes directly influenced by ’20s-‘30s swing jazz, with delightful horn sections and that jump-jive-and-wail (s/o to Biran Setzer once again) vibe. There are some slower, mellower cuts also, like “Blue Angel,” and “Meant To Be,” which are nice breaks from the high-energy core of the album. This is the 20th anniversary, 180g vinyl edition, remastered and with photos, tracklist and band info printed on the inner sleeve.

• 20th anniversary 180g reissue
• remastered
• phothos, tracklist & band info printed on inner sleeve
• music label: Mammoth Records 2016

reviewed by donut savage 08/2016

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