Brave Combo

• A Night on Earth [Rounder, 1990]

Consumer Guide Reviews:

A Night on Earth [Rounder, 1990]
"A Night on Earth"

Further Notes:

Subjects for Further Research [1980s]: Carl Finch's conceptual conjunto starts with norteño's unlikely polkas and makes connections--to "pol-ska," which I guess is obvious, and to "Skokiaan," and to "O Holy Night Cha Cha Cha." And to "Rosemary's Baby" as a waltz. And to "People Are Strange" as a hora. In short, he interprets universal humanism as the dance music of a thousand cruise ships. The idea is wonderful live--getting this silly in the company of a crowd that's half in on the world-music joke (and statement) can border on euphoria. But the records are too cute: not since 1982's Urban Grown-Ups EP have they made a serious stab at normal songwriting. The 1987 Rounder CD Musical Varieties is a representatively excessive selection for truly modern fun-seekers.