TOP`S AND FLOP`S OF BRIAN SETZER

I think it's a little bit odd that you list 'Nitro Burning Funny Daddy' as one of Brian's bad albums, and yet your display name is 'NitroDaddy'..it seems as if you have taken your name from that album..

It's just weird is all..

I couldn't list a whole album as bad..there is only one Brian song that I just can't listen to..'The rain washed everything away'..it's cheesy McCheese..it's good for a laugh though..


Kid.

Kid Setzer wrote:

I think it's a little bit odd that you list 'Nitro Burning Funny Daddy' as one of Brian's bad albums, and yet your display name is 'NitroDaddy'..it seems as if you have taken your name from that album..

It's just weird is all..

I couldn't list a whole album as bad..there is only one Brian song that I just can't listen to..'The rain washed everything away'..it's cheesy McCheese..it's good for a laugh though..


Kid.

There`s nothing odd in NitroDaddy name.
Nirto burning funny daddy is marvellous album name. It`s total different case that album is shit.
I take name because it`s funny and good. Also i`m father of two amazing girls,so it suit`s for me in that way also.I`ve listened Brian since first album 1981 and there`s only 3 album`s that i don`t like.
That`s not much when you look how many albums Brian has made.

delete words because the starting post is gone.
so the sense of my post is gone too.

,

cu and a nice day.

There are definitely weak songs on every album ever. But Stray Cats first three are solid all the way to the end of each. With Gonna Ball and Rant & Rave my favorites.
I totally love the Rockabilly Riot Volume one, as it keeps the memory of those originals in the minds of the youth,which I think Brian has done in one form or another his whole career.
I think in all of his groups he rekindles alot of different past sounds and adds his spin and reintroduces them. Some aren't for all, but all are for some, if you know what I mean?

Basically, there is something for everyone, including Rockabilly, Blues, Country, Slow JAzz, Swing, Classical, Rock, etc etc etc.

Hmmm... i dont think that Brian has ever made a bad album, though it is true that maybe, there are some of them that are not the thing we were expecting

I love the swing and the rockabilly. The more rock-type stuff (13, Nitro...) aren't my favorites, but they're still better than anything on the radio today. "The Dirty Boogie" and the first Christmas album are beyond words.

The only song that bugs me is "Sittin' On It" - don't get me wrong, I love the music (the live version guitar solo is absolutely mind-blowing) - but the lyrics are just plain icky. I have to fast forward to the guitar solo and then skip to the next song whenever my kids are listening. BTW, I feel like the coolest dad in the world when my kids ask to watch/listen to Brian Setzer. My two year old boy is addicted to "Gene and Eddie" right now.

Nah, no such thing as a bad album, just some are better than others.

You cant please everyone but then again Brian has always done things his way no matter what anybody else thinks. Pushing boundries and trying new things is what makes him special - dont you think?

Cheers PP

Heyyy, what happened to the original post?!! Now I just look stupid don't I!!

Typical


Kid.

Dagnabbit! I spent 30 minutes working on my thoughts of a public forum being confused with freedom of speech and a dissertation on the virtues of NBFD. And then I clicked something, and lost the whole damn thing! DOH! (Perhaps somebody was trying to tell me something I'm about to ignore!) In summary, it's a privately-hosted public forum, and strong opinions are welcome. Just try to offer them with a bit of civility.

And now, I'm forced to cut-n-paste a stinkin' re-run. When you're as long-winded as I am, syndication is inevitable. Apologies to those who've read this before.

I've owned a few albums in my day, and I would say at least 70 to 75 percent of them (the ones that aren't "greatest hits" collections) have 2-3 pretty good tracks, if that, maybe one outstanding track, and a lot of yawners. Of the albums I don't buy, probably 99% of them might have 2 reasonably decent songs. Hence, the popularity of iTunes.

I can honestly say I've not had this "quality of the quantity" problem with almost everything Brian has released. Heck, even "Knife" and "Let's Go Faster" will do it for me if I'm in the right mood. "Ignition," "Riot," "VaVoom," "Rant-n-Rave," and the first BSO album are ones where I'll never hit the "skip" button on any track. That's a pretty strong statement. I don't know many artists who have put out more than two "un-skippable" albums. Most of the rest of his albums have maybe one or two, maybe three at most that I could do without. Certainly, a "subpar" effort from Brian is better than the best efforts of a lot of dreck that's out there. I wouldn't categorize NBFD as "subpar" or "mediocre." I just happen to prefer "Riot" and "Ignition" amongst his solo non-orchestra albums.

"Nitro" has a stylistic diversity to it. That might keep it from being a "road trip" disc - one that will hold my attention from beginning to end on a long drive. But I love individual songs on the album, which make it ideal for those short commutes.

Having said that, this album should come with a doctor's warning. If you are out on a ledge, or experiencing any sort of emotional fragility, you might not want to listen to this album all the way through before hitting the Lithium.

Sixty Years has a great groove, and whatever it lacks lyrically is more than made up for by the vocal intensity. I've only got sixty good years? Bummer. I'd better make the most of them. It's depressing and uplifting at the same time!

The drivin' twang of Don't Trust a Woman continues the darker tone set by Sixty Years. The lyrics suit the snarl of this song very well, although the chorus leaves me a little flat. Not depressing so much, but a bitter, cautionary tune.

When the Bells Don't Chime is one of those songs that ought to make any "Greatest Hits" package. I'm not sure why we needed a banjo mix of this tune, but I'm sure glad it's there. I love the 'billy harmonies and the lyrics are incredibly catchy. Once again there's a darker presence hiding in this hoedown. You're leaving me? Screw you! Give it time. You'll miss me when I'm gone, you heartless *****!

I still have never heard anyone comment on That Someone Just Ain't You, but I love this track. Brian recorded this tune with Stray Cats but never released it. I think this version has a very soulful feel. Brian delivers a heartfelt vocal on this, especially when he reaches for the word "leave" on the second middle eight. I can totally picture Wilson Pickett singing it with Steve Cropper and the rest of the MGs backing him up. Not depressing or bitter, but desperate.

"If you can't say something nice, record an instrumental!" A break from the rollercoaster of dark emotions, Brian breaks up the mood with some of his finest guitar work on Rat Pack Boogie. It also ought to adorn any greatest hits package as a showcase for his outstanding abilities as a guitarist.

Ring Ring Ring brings more anger to the table in a rockabilly setting. This time, I would categorize the mood as one of frustration. A "rockabilly meltdown" if you will. "And there's nothin' you can do about it!" Might as well jump. Jumpin' is exactly what this song does. It's got a great energy, but man, those lyrics - somebody needs a hug.

Drink Whiskey and Shut Up - I love the rhythms in this tune, and as a novelty tune, this song cracks me up. "Don't make me take out my blender..." Those vixens can taunt me anytime. However, the 'tude in this song suggests some more couch time may be needed.

Smokin' and a-Burnin' is rockabilly rave-up. I love the opening guitar riff and Brian sounds like he's having a ball playing this one. At first listen, this appears to be a rockin' love song which uses clever car metaphors to convey its message. Wrong! Wake up and smell the Xanax. "Without me you can't run"?This song's all about co-dependency!

Wild Wind - For me, this is one song that often gets skipped. Conjunction Junction, what's this song's dysfunction? Of course, it's all about fear of commitment! Wild wind my eye! The main character in this song loves 'em. leads 'em on and leaves 'em. He feels bad about it, knows it's wrong, but what can he do - it's the fault of the wild wind! Next stop, Jerry Springer!

St. Jude is a deeply spiritual song. The musical setting on the verses reminds me a little of INXS' "Never Tear Us Apart." The chorus is sort of stuck between doo-wop and a choir. I have to admit this song also gets skipped once in a while so I can get to "Jumpin' at the Capitol." Clinically speaking, religion is occasionally the last refuge of disturbed individuals. This song dwells on what a mess the world is, and how we all could use the prayers of St Jude. Good times. (NOTE: I am aware of the deeply personal statement Brian has put forth with this prayer, and when I originally wrote this, I was merely keeping with the satirical tone of the rest of this "review." I respect the message of the song, and did not intend to slag off anyone's faith or personal convictions.)

The doo-wop voicing of To Be Loved is uplifting and beautiful, almost angelic. It's not as strong as "Gloria," "I Won't Stand In Your Way," or "Lookin' Better Every Beer" or "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," but I will always be a fan of doo-wop. Having a doo-wop ballad adds to the pot-luck feel of the album. But on the US release, having "Wild Wind," "St Jude" and "To Be Loved" back-to-back-to-back brings this album down into a mellow mood (sounds like a song!) After the high energy of "60 Years," "Ring, Ring, Ring" "Rat Pack Boogie," "Smokin, and-a-Burnin" and pretty much every song other than "That Someone Just Ain't You" the album becomes very sedate and introspective. I will often stop listening to this album after "Smokin'" or at least skip ahead to "Jumpin at the Capitol" or "Banjo Bells." But at least we finally have a love song! The prescription must have kicked in. Either that, or there's the hope of romance on the horizon.

Since I love the song, When the Bells Don't Chime (Banjo mix) is something I don't mind hearing again. I can't quite bring myself to count it as a 13th track. It's almost as if I accidentally hit the "random" button while I was skipping past "Wild Wind." The way the banjo fades in, it's almost like I'm hearing voices in my head. Or maybe that's just me.

So there you have it. A demented (psycho) analysis of Nitro Burnin' Funny Daddy. It may not stand up with Brian's best albums for some fans. But I do enjoy it, especially if I've had my meds for the day. Some of the tracks I really enjoy. Some not so much. But it's still better than 99.9% of the garbage that's out there. Plus, it's fun to make up stuff when you review it.

I wrote most of that more than 2 years ago, and I was admittedly off my meds at the time, but I stand by most of it. Where Ignition was full of "Hot Rod Songs and Makeout Tunes," Nitro definitely had undertones of disillusionment, darkness, and desperation. In-between Ignition and Nitro, there was the horrific tragedy of September 11, 2001, the death of Joe Strummer, the ending of a personal relationship, and perhaps a little disappointment that Brian's brilliant Ignition album, the first non-BSO project in years, didn't achieve near the success it so richly deserved. I respect Brian's work on NBFD and as a fan, feel more connected to him for allowing some of that pain and introspection to come out through his music.

Director's Commentary-billy

I would say my least listened to is The Knife Feels Like Justie. Just not my cup of tea. Thumbs up to just about everything else.

Ross

Hello everybody from North-Italy.
For me there's no flop on Brian's releases,maybe some songs are better than others but everything is good from this Great Guitarist who ìs keeping alive U.S.A. greatest styles of music!
Go, Brian, go go!

As hard as it is to pick a "flop" the other side of this questions was the "top" album. That's almost as difficult, and a choice that for me could change daily. I love Rockabilly Riot, but seeing as it's a covers album, I think I'd pick Ignition.

Ratin', not hatin'-billy

rickabilly wrote:

Dagnabbit!

Director's Commentary-billy

wow, Rickabilly. exactly my thoughts what you wrote. (only in a foreign language for me.. )
(i just quote the beginning of your post, but mean the whole one for sure)
Thank you for that.
Your comment could be the first and the last post in this string.

For me it`s hard to find THAT Top Album, also. It depends on weather, daytime, mood...etc.
When i have to vote: Ignition, Vavoom, Stray Cats Hoo Choo Fish, Stray Cats... also 13 and The knife feels like justice. ...oh, it is not possible to find a ranking. Too much to list.
Greetings

Yea, what Rick said.

efficient shark

Kid Setzer wrote:

Heyyy, what happened to the original post?!! Now I just look stupid don't I!!

Typical


Kid.

No! You could never look stupid, Kid. You've set the record straight now. Not to worry.

First of all, Kid, I really really like "Nitro Burnin' Funny Daddy" (the record & his title !) so take out your blender ( )...
My fav' Brian's album might be Ignition (or Guitar Slinger ?) and the "loveless" The Knife Feels Like Justice (or Let's Go Faster ?)...

if it takes more words than the song contains to review it, is the point lost? My 2 general rules are (1) if it makes your pants want to get get up and dance ! (2) if it makes you want to drive with your right foot on the floor !

kbilly wrote:

if it takes more words than the song contains to review it, is the point lost?

Not necessarily. It may depend on how bright the reader is.

Cheeky-billy

Brian is incapable of making a bad album. In the 80's, my mates used to joke that if Brian farted and put it out on record, i'd buy it..... looking back, They were right. It's never what Brian does, it's always the way he does it.

Now, where's that hip Hop album i'm wiating on Brian, c'mon sort yourself out.

mx

as for me, i'm waitin' for that punk polka... On the other hand, i think the combination of a banjo and an accordian might be too much...

But seriously, I hope that Brian is taking a well deserved rest! I'm sure it was a taxing tour! Happy to hear when a new cd is being recorded, but i can understand when ya have to just stop and take care of yourself...


C

My all time favourite song is "Rockabilly World" from the Blast off! album. This song is great. I was 14 years old when i´ve heard it at first.That was back in 1989...The solo is gorgeous and the half-step from B to C....great playin`(imho... ...)

"lookin´ out my backdoor" was a great cover ( I think it was the b-side from the Rebels Rule single...)

"two of a kind" is also a great song from the cats with a cool rockabilly guitar-solo...

The "Rock Therapy" album is very cool , too ( I think Brian used a Stratocaster type of sound on some tracks...Reckless, Rock Therapy for example-...it doesn´t sound like a Gretsch to my ears...more like the 2nd and 4th position of a strat...What are you thinking about that?)


Sorry for some wrong words maybe...-

Greets , Tommi

Setzerado wrote:

First of all, Kid, I really really like "Nitro Burnin' Funny Daddy" (the record & his title !) so take out your blender ( )...
My fav' Brian's album might be Ignition (or Guitar Slinger ?) and the "loveless" The Knife Feels Like Justice (or Let's Go Faster ?)...

Haha, I didn't actually start this topic..the original post has been deleted (for some reason)..I was just replying to what the original poster said originally.. I love NBFD.. No matter how many times I hear 'Don't make me take out my blender'..I can't help but chuckle


Kid.

The Knife Feels Like Justice is a great CD. There is no good or bad, right or wrong...it all comes down to personal taste.

There is no good or bad, right or wrong...it all comes down to personal taste.[/quote]

Well said.

Hi guys,

I'm a fairly new Brian fan and I need to increase my collection, but I don't know much about the albums I don't yet own. So I thought I'd resurrect this thread in the hope of getting some advice about which ones to buy first- any help is appreciated!

Basically:

1. How good are "BSO" and "Guitar Slinger"- and how do they compare to Dirty Boogie and Vavoom?

2. How good are Knife and Nude Guitars?

3. It seems that everybody loves Ignition- true or false?

4. I've already bought Nitro BFD but not listened yet- am I right in thinking it's not exactly a fan favourite?

Thanks for reading!