I’ve had a lot of unsolicited CDs lately, which have made up the bulk of my recent album reviews. And while it’s always nice to get mail—and makes the task of reviewing records a little quicker and simpler—it does tend to skew one’s listening in a particular direction: towards older, more established outfits with proactive PR firms. So it was refreshing to dive back into Bandcamp this month, to see what younger up-and-coming bands are putting out without the benefit of a hefty promo budget.
Too Sweet, by Amber Rachelle and The Sweet Potatoes, leapt out at me with its vibrant cover art. This reflects a sound which is at once jazzy and poppy, reminding me of early Carsie Blanton. (Lindy hoppers will recall that “Baby Can Dance” was a big hit for her, circa 2010.) Whatever way you look at it, this one comes across very much as an album made for dancing to, featuring a range of tracks, tempos, and moods to satisfy everyone from blues (“A Good Man is Hard to Find”) to balboa (“Swing Brother, Swing”) practitioners.
Most of the tunes featured sit within a range ideal for Lindy hop, offering plenty of bounce at a pace which won’t wear out your shoes. The band’s choice of covers is a mix of swing dance staples and lesser-heard numbers: “Shiny Stockings,” “In a Mellow Tone,” and “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen” share album space with “Frim Fram Sauce,” “Dr
