Royal Crown Revue Albums (7)
What The Critics Say
The least smarmy of the bevy of neo-swing albums that were released during the same period (including admirable-selling sets by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies), Royal Crown Revue's fourth album is also their most traditional offering in the genre. And because they are somewhat veterans of the scene (they formed in 1989, at least a good five years before neo-swing bands began replacing ska groups as Southern California's latest musical offering to fad-seeking kids), Royal Crown Revue play it a bit more straight and with more dash than most of their neo-swing contemporaries. Still, there's a slight hipper-than-thou vibe splattered throughout The Contender, one that still self-importantly winks at its audience as it heavy-handedly plows through music 50-years-old. Choice cuts: "Walkin' Like Brando," "Zip Gun Bop (Reloaded)" and the zesty title track. ~ Michael Gallucci, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Royal Crown Revue is one hot little band. Here the sextet roars through a set of originals and jump swing standards in a live performance. The band is all swagger and attitude. But while the vocals can tend toward a sing-song sameness of spoken-word rapping, the horns and rhythm section constantly rev things up. On tracks like "Park's Place" and "The Mooch," the band really cuts loose, especially the horns. Other highlights include "Barflies at the Beach" and the band's signature tune, "Hey Pachuco!" which the group performed in the film The Mask. Not as solid as the band's major-label debut, but enjoyable. ~ Ross Boissoneau, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
With their debut album Mugzy's Move, the Royal Crown Revue bring back the sound of pre-rock jump blues, playing a set of Louis Jordan-inspired originals and ocovers. Although the band is energetic and proficient, their cutesey originals and campy album art give their music an aura of being some sort of kitschy joke. Still, the band is talented enough to make those kinds of questions relatively easy to ignore. Mugzy's Move, despite it's flaws, is an engaging set of nostalgic fun. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
'Kings of Gangster Bop'
Release Date 3/31/1992
Tracks 11
Label Better Youth Organization (BYO)
See Album Tracklist and Review
