CORPORATE LINE: Danish beat quartet the blue van will release their debut album, the art of rolling. The art of rolling could be a compilation of newly-discovered, bombastic 60’s rock 45’s were it not cut with the whimsy and pop sensibilities that range from early Elvis Costello up to hot hot heat. Tracks like “I Remember the Days” and the first single, “Revelation of Love,” make you want to do your best hullabaloo go-go moves with their bashing beats and pumping Hammond organ. Others like “Baby, I’ve Got Time” and the epic album-closer “New Slough” make you ask yourself how a Danish farmboy like singer Steffen Westmark has so much soul.
The Blue Van has been playing together since the 6th grade. Now in their early 20’s, they signed with TVT records in mid-2004 and immediately flew to the u.s., set up shop in a Brooklyn ghetto loft to introduce themselves, their songs and their ferocious live show to America. During this three month stay in New York City the band played an exhausting slate of 50+ shows.
THE GREAT:
“I Remember The Days” – If it was the ‘60s this would be a smash hit. Certainly there is no reason it couldn’t tear up the airwaves today.
“Product of DK” – The driving organ surrounded by an infectious melody makes for one of the best rock tracks you’ll hear anywhere.
“Word From The Bird” – The bird? Even if it doesn’t exactly make a lot of sense it really doesn’t matter!
THE AVERAGE:
“I Want You” – A rollicking jam that had monster potential.
“Baby, I’ve Got Time” – This ballad isn’t bad however after rocking ‘n’ rolling for the first few tracks this is like a slamming on the brakes. It doesn’t help that the next two tracks are also slow.
THE BAD:
Nothing.
FRANKLY: Once again another rock group from the other side of the pond shows America what it means to rock. The Blue Van is from Denmark of all places and we shouldn’t be surprised however that seems like the last place American rock bands would be getting schooled.
+ Rae Gun
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