Review: The SqueeGees - The SqueeGees

The advantage to the reviewer of an 18-minute CD, such as the 2006 self-titled debut from Southern California-based duo The SqueeGees, is that you can listen to the album a lot before putting fingers to keyboard to write a review.

The result of those repeated plays, however, is that some of the odd edges of this CD get rubbed away. Which is too bad, because it's those odd edges that help the CD stand out. Take "Ivan the Terrible," for example, which leads off with the lyrics "His beard is long, his eyes are wild / He terrorizes the town." It encourages the listener to growl. But after hearing it eight, ten times, it no longer seems so outlandish (even for a song in which we find out Ivan is not quite so terrible). Too bad, really. In fact, it's the conventional lyrics here that are sort of dry -- it's when co-singer/songwriters Samantha Tobey and Roman Bluem don't worry about the "point" of the song that the songs are at their most vibrant (the listing of fruits in "Apples, Oranges, & Peaches," all the different sounds in "The Elements").

Musically, the duo pack a lot into what is pretty basic folk-rock. A lot of this has to do with the vocals -- Tobey has a clear and distinct voice that is very inviting, while Bluem has a dry vocal sensibility. (That sensibility fits perfectly with "The Ol' WWW" -- "Saw a picture of a jet on the internet / The ol' WWW / Bid on a Chia pet on the internet / The ol' WWW" -- which will probably go way over the head of the target audience but will amuse their parents.) But they also craft some nice melodies --- "Nala the Chihuahua" is particularly ear-wormy.

Despite the claim on the CD cover that the CD is for "ages 0 - adult," I think kids ages 2 through 6 are most likely to enjoy it. You can download a couple tracks and listen to samples of others here, and there's always their Myspace page or CD Baby album page.

The SqueeGees is an album which takes a slightly skewed approach to fairly typical children's music material. The album is sadly too brief, but it does make me curious as to what they will come up with next. I hope it's even odder than this CD.

Comments

[Jamie Urman]

just listen to them. the songs will stay in your head forever. and that's a good thing.

[Lucas]

My 3 yo digs the Squeegees. He fully rocks out to 'making noises' when I put it on, and attempts to sing the ole' www, although I do admit, he has no idea what a chia pet is. yet.

[Jackie]

I have a 21 month old daughter and for the past 6 months The Squeegees cd has been in my car stereo on repeat. If that doesn't tell you how adorably addicting this cd is I don't know what could. I am a huge fan as well!

[Andrea]

Squeegees = adorable, musical, sweet, fun, clever. Minnie Mom loves you. ;-)

[rachel]

the squeegees are simply the cutest! i love their funny sweet ways. i am big big fan: )

[John]

I love the Squeegees. And did you know Samantha and Roman have an alternate performing persona playing under Samantha Tobey's name? Equally iconoclastic and skewed (in places) but with more adult themes and complexity.

[Alex]

To know a Squeegee is to love a Squeegee. My kid loves this stuff. He keeps asking me to play it in the car.

[shuli]

Our 2-year old niece is officially obsessed with the Squeegees. Definitely a must-buy for the music collection of any kid, and adults will love it too!

[Stu Mark]

I'm a fan of The SqueeGees (I call them the Gees of Squee), and of this album.

I appreciate your review, especially the last paragraph, which captures a lot of my experience. I like to make noise with my nose!

My review of this CD is here.

[debbi kessler]

I'm glad to see the Squeegee's get the recognition they deserve. My family and friends love the Squeegee's! We can't wait until the next CD.Thank You, Debbi Kessler

[Jackie Freed]

You are way to hard on the squeegees and way to lenient with bands like The Jimmies who are annoying if you ask me!