A name like the Cherry Poppin' Daddies really jumps out at you. For those not in the know, they hail from Eugene, Oregon, and have been on the go since 1989. Recently, they released their fifth album, Susquehanna. Does it amuse the big ears of the Bluesbunny?
If you like your punk rock with Mexican food, then the answer is most likely "yes". What Steve Perry and co have done this time around is create a hugely likeable album of ska-punk that tosses salsa, reggae and punk into one glorious salad bowl.
"White Trash Toodle oo" exemplifies the blend perfectly - the kids in the mosh pit won't know whether to shake their hips or knock heads with each other. "Roseanne" - castanets and all! - is pure flamenco, an absolute joy. It is followed by the spooky-punk of "Hammerblow". Perhaps not the best follow-on, but it does offer variety.
"Wingtips" hears a jot of lounge music seep through. Surely not? But, yes! And there's more! "Breathe" sounds like it was wrestled from the hands of Thijs van Leer and re-recorded. If you enjoy dancing to music at home, this album is for you.
So in essence, we have an album that is almost too diverse for its own good. There's variety to waste on this album, and you'll either love it or hate it.