The Outstanding Musical Theater of Katzenjammer

If there has ever been any proof of the impertinence of the role of radio music programming in the advancement of good new music, Katzenjammer is it. The radio ready, yet largely ignored, first single "A Bar in Amsterdam" from Katzenjammer's 2008 debut, "Le Pop" was posted on AmieStreet.com a few months back, and ever since that time, I've been searching for a US copy of the "Le Pop" CD. Apparently available shortly after its release on such sources as Amazon, the CD has been listed as unavailable since I started searching, although the mp3's are available from both Amazon and i-Tunes. The band has assured me that the international version of "Le Pop" will be re-released this fall in the USA. After digging, I did find the original release of "Le Pop" with a US currency option at Grooves-Inc.com, a Swedish reseller.

From the opening of "Overture," which slams non-stop into "A Bar in Amsterdam," you know that you are in for an experience that rivals musical theater. Katzenjammer's brand of alternative pop is accessible yet eclectic. Three parts gypsy caravan, three parts pop, one part rock and roll, a dash of folksy goodness and a splash of Vienna seasoning make for a completely individual sound.

"Le Pop's" mostly upbeat numbers keep the party rolling from "Amsterdam" to "Tea with Cinnamon" to the outstanding "Hey Ho On The Devil's Back," Katzenjammer pops from the silly to the profound without letting the carnival stop. Speaking of silly, the title track is so much fun you will be laughing within seconds of its start!

Just when you think you have Katzenjammer figured out, though, they slip you something unexpected; the sad yet beautiful "Wading in Deeper." This is just an intermission however, proven by the follow up tracks "Play My Darling Play," "To The Sea," the waltzing "Mother Superior" and set closer, blues rock number, "Ain't No Thang."

Katzenjammer's four woman collective, made up of Soleig Heila, Anne Marit Bergheim, Turid Jorgensen and Marianne Sveen, jump from instrument to instrument interchangeably. Those instruments are many, too, including but not limited to accordion, melodica, mandolin, guitar, harmonica, trumpet, tuba, drums and balaika bass.

There aren't enough good words to describe this band. Oslo, Norway is lucky to have them as citizenry and we need to see more of them in the USA.

You can listen to tracks from the band on their MySpace Page and purchase their CD from the aforementioned Grooves Inc.com page. You can read more about the band on The Bonoroo site and let's not forget the bands own official web site. A search for some of Katzenjammer's videos on YouTube, etc., will give you the flavor of the band's live performances as well.

If you take pride is listening to and acquiring great music, you owe it to yourself to check out this amazing band!