I would also describe it as "deranged circus music", similar at times to Dresden Dolls and early No Doubt. This should serve as a warning, if you play this album to anyone, they'll probably think you're bonkers! The lyrics are fantastically batty and full of strong imagery. For me, the album feels like a concept album, so it is quite strange to analyse the songs separately.
The recording quality is passable, but not polished. The double-bass is often woofly. Also, often the horns sound a bit amateur in the way they are recorded, although arguably this could suit the style of the album. Kudos for the excellent composition, all the instruments of this large band have been very well integrated. It cleverly walks the line of controlled chaos and no instrument's part ever feels "tacked on".
Pirate's Kitchen immediately declares that this is a Mad Hatter's Tea Party of an album! The song jumps all over the place, but still manages to feel cohesive. The faster parts are perhaps a bit twee, although the excellent lyrics make up for it. The slower "beer mug swinging" sections have a wonderful swagger. Falling and Big Green Thrash are similar and also great.
School Again uniquely combines funk with dixieland, and the results are strangely catchy. Is there such thing as ska without an offbeat guitar? If so, Tonight I'll Make You Mine is it. The eclectic verses are perfectly complemented by its catchy chorus. Also, I'd like to mention The New York City Baby Awards Were Rigged. The song isn't a highlight for me (a bit too eclectic and structureless), but what a great name for a song!
In shock news, Grinding Gears, Dynamo and Money on My Mind could almost pass for normal songs! The former is a fun high energy combination of ska, funk and hints of rockabilly somehow. With a great horn line. Dynamo is a brilliant assault of dirty funk-rock, like a badass Stevie Wonder. What a great riff, too. Lastly, Money on My Mind is a well executed jazz song in the style of Squirrel Nut Zippers.
Summer Goes is a bit of a filler for me. It provides welcome respite on the album, but doesn't appeal much in isolation.
I feel silly for saying this given the rest of the album, but This is Your Captain Speaking feels a bit disjointed to me. The bebop influence gives an interesting dimension, but I don't think the sections fit together very well.
What's the Point brings us gently back to reality with a great vocal/piano song. Reminding me of The Dresden Dolls, I really like the way it ebbs and flows.
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