The Louisville Sluggers- Hey Honey Please

The Louisville Sluggers were one of few Australian bands to emerge during the 1990s swing revival (centred around Royal Crown Revue, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, etc). This is their 2nd EP, released in 2000.

The recording quality is very good, and special mention goes to the wonderful character of the double bass sound and that the piano can be clearly heard (unlike many recordings where it gets drowned out). A minor quibble is that the horn sound can lack bite or fullness at certain times. However, the balance between instruments is great, with the female vocals sitting on top and sounding as smooth as syrup.

The besotted and smooth style of Hey Honey Please and Well Swung works a treat, backed up by wonderfully flowing horn lines. Things get dirtier (in a good way!) for the grinding cabaret/swing style of Delores the Unstoppable, a tale of a despondent stripper. Pop the Hood is a bit twee for my liking, but as a B-side it works well enough.

Favourite songs

Hey Honey Please, Well Swung, Delores the Unstoppable

Would I buy it again?

Yes. I enjoy it as a modern execution of the classic female vocal-driven swing style.