2 [Import]

The Budos fixed the main problem I had with their first album (being that it was mostly rhythm beds without much melodic interest.) The songs on this album are much tighter and more elaborately crafted. There are horn solos, which were noticeably lacking from the first album. The Band lays down a funky groove and then actually TAKES it somewhere, making the whole album very satisfying to listen to. The mix oozes with faux-retro lo-fi beauty, like the band went back in time to 1970 to record this (how did they get that sound???)

My only complaint - which keeps me from awarding the full 5 stars - is still the organ. This time Mr. Deller has upgraded from whatever sorry piece of junk he was using on the first album, to a vintage Farfisa ... he plays it well, but the Farfisa has a transistorized, electronic, synthy-plastic sound far more suited to psychedelic rock than to afro-beat and soul jazz. In this genre my ear really wants to hear the gutsy, grinding tone of an overdriven Hammond B-series organ. The Farfisa sound (though better than the previous organ) was a poor fit and dragged the mix down from the perfection to which it aspired.

Anyway, that's my opinion. The fact is, the Budos Band gets better every time I listen, and if they keep improving, maybe the third time will be the charm. Please, Budos, try again! I may be a critic but I'm also a fan. These guys are doing stuff I wish I could do.

The Budos Band has done it again, and I have to say I'm not surprised. Their first album hit me like a ton of bricks, and this disc is proof that they not only avoided the dreaded sophomore slump but that they scared it off with their irresistable grooves. They haven't just rehashed the formula of their first album though, this album definitely moves their sound in a different direction. There is an almost middle eastern feel to some of these songs, particularly "Deep In The Sand", which sounds like it could have been taken off of one of my discs from the "Ethiopiques" collection. Their organ player also has more of a lead role on many of these tunes, and the tone of the organ is different from that on their first album. I don't care who you are or where you're from...if you play this disc in the car you will be rolling around the streets with your head back like the Mack with a nonchalant smirk on your face. This is music that forces you to move to it, you really don't have much choice. Fans of afrobeat, latin, jazz, and funk music won't be disappointed. This goes without saying, but catch these guys live, I went over a year ago and wouldn't hesitate to see them again. Get on the bandwagon folks, BUDOS ARE RISING!

I buy music almost constantly, but this is the first time I've been prompted to write a review. If you listen to a lot of funk, it can occasionally blend together, sounding too familiar or similar. Sometimes even the good stuff doesn't distinguish itself enough to truly stand apart head and shoulders above the rest.

But the Budos Band's latest offering is just that - aces above the rest. It's a real burner, with more horns than you could ever hope for, sounding wickedly devilish yet bright and ebullient. At times it even sounds like the quality 'Ethiopiques' CD series. Don't sleep on this - you won't be able to STOP listening to it. I enjoyed their first release, but II pushes them into the realm of brilliance. Their take on 'My Girl,' never one of my favorite songs, is stunning.