Since they transformed Thelonious Monk’s music on their debut release, Joe “Guido” Welsh & Steve Million have added interstellar musicians Jim Hoke, Richard Bennett, Steve Ebe and Dave Jacques to the frenzied fray! Thelonious Moog have changed the rules this time out and given such classics as “Take Five”, “Tea For Two” and “I Got Rhythm” makeovers that can only be described as delightful and fun! American Standard is truly a whirlwind of styles with playful musical jokes at every turn.
The band also chose the cartoon track classic “Powerhouse” by Raymond Scott and the equally cartoon-ish Frank Zappa gem “Duodenum” to render in their very eclectic style. “Duodenum” goes from psycho-surf to Spaghetti Western turf. “Powerhouse” just flat out swings with percussive synth bravado and furious saxes blaring.
Imagine the Dutch prog/rock masterpiece “Hocus Pocus” by Focus as a Bossa Nova. Or perhaps as a swinging 60’s TV theme song. Can you hear it? Well, Thelonious Moog can and both versions are presented here! Woof!
Bent Fabric’s “Alley Cat” features a balloon solo. Yes. A Balloon solo.
The oft-recorded “Caravan” morfs into a raging surf groove from a psychotic Harmoni-Cats/S&M intro. OK, you have to hear it to get the references.
The only real nod to Thelonious Monk is “T 4 2”, which is presented here as a Monk/Bonzo Dog Band/Esquivel salad.
Charter members Guido & Steve throw in their very own “Have U Seen It Yet?” to complete what should be everyone’s new American Standard!
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