Oooh yes. Now this is the shit right here. This is the sound and style I've been missing over these last few months. Sure the modern bands have been fun, and there have been some gems buried in those tapes, but goddamn, this classic polka sound is what this blog is all about. This sounds like the drinking music that brought me to the genre initially. As soon as I put the needle on this wax, I sparked a bowl, and just drank it all in. For a fleeting moment I felt that all was okay in this world. That is the power of polka.
As you may recall, this blog began as an ode to polka's similarity to punk music, and this release emphasizes that comparison. Look at the length of these songs. Some of these barely last over a minute. This looks more like a Negative Approach album than it does a TBC one. Fast, quick, and to the point. When you're having a party you have no time for three distinct choruses. Let's get through this one and on to the next one! Keep the dancing moving!
The Andrew Sisters' rendition of Beer Barrel Polka may be my new favorite; a divine horn section paired with equally angelic vocals. Cuckoo Waltz and Under the Double Eagle are just a couple of great instrumental pieces featured here. Tinker Polka has a surf-guitar section and is perfect for any beach day. And of course we have Johnny Bomba who could very well be related to Chris Bomba, the person who inspired this blog in the first place.
A song that sticks out to me is Russ Morgan's There's a City Called Hamtramck. For the uninitiated, Hamtramck is an island of a town surrounded by the greater Detroit area. My friends Nick and Breayne live there, and I was fortunate enough to be able to play a show there during a weekend tour, courtesy of Nick. A lovely little town with some of the best pizza I've ever eaten.
In Heaven There is No Beer could double as a Satanic anthem, while Beautiful Brown Eyes reminds us to never trust a person with blue ones. Then of course you have the pairing of There's a Tavern in Town and Friendly Tavern Polka. A staunch reminder that we will hopefully return to the care-free days of a pre-Covid world.
My only critique...the body-shaming anthem that is Too Fat Polka by Frankie Yankovic. I could have done without this track. Thankfully it's early on, and once you're past it it's clear sailing. I haven't really seen many renditions of this polka performed, so hopefully it's just contained to this release.
This album is a must have for anyone who loves polka. It's as important to me as a polka lover as Fat Music For Fat People is to me as a lover of punk music. 10 out of 10 beer steins. I would even suggest trying to hunt down a tangible copy of this for your own collection.
DOWNLOAD HERE:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/z9bdnols8dqqwg8/25_Polka_Greats_MP3.zip/file
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