epcuban

The Play list

1. Friday (F.Smithers 2001) (Performed by the Cuban Crisis) (Copyright Riva Records 2001)

Starry Starry Friday night. A classic although original bit of Brit pop . Neat, catchy with a strong hook in the chorus - that you don't get to hear on the MP3 sample here. Good voice, good song. See what you think 'Friday' Listen to MP3 sample.

2. Revolver (F.Smithers 2000) (Copyright Riva Records)

Annie reach for your gun…….. well if not you can always 'suck my revolver'. Truly creative original jazz/pop/ blues little gem, with kick. This sits awkwardly among the other tracks on this CD but is quite a refreshingly cheeky piece that brings a smile. I can imagine this being a hit in the UK since quirky offbeat sometimes appeals. The extended dance version should it ever come about would be quite effective. Is this a drug song or is it obviously about sex or are they fundamentally linked……….

3. I Don't wanna Talk About it Performed by Frank Smithers and Panya Walker. Music by the Cuban Crisis (Copyright Riva Records (2002))

This song was first made famous by Rod Stewart and covered by many after that. This is a notably version of a very beautiful song. The interplay between the male and female voices is splendid and gives this arrangement the difference. A lovely Jazzy guitar solo that also gets a lift from the entry of the drums is nice touch. I have listened to this song many times. Its just one that doesn't wear out! I Don't wanna talk about it sample mp3

4. Fool to be (F. Smithers 1994) (Performed by Ellie and the Wizards of the Cuban Crisis) (Copyright Riva Records 1994)

I would follow this woman any where just for her voice. Listen to the MP3 file here and you will get the idea. Beautiful, moving soulful jazz number "Fool to Be" sample mp3

5. I'm your toy (C.Ethridge/G.Parsons) (Performed by The Cuban Crisis)(Copyright Riva Records 2001)

A rich soulful ballard, heartfelt with beautiful strong vocals and an Eric Clapton acoustic guitar lead delivered by the American virtuoso player Mike Flagg. Included on this track is a subtle french horn featuring Tina Brain from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra that adds a lovely warmth to the proceedings.

Underneath the rhythm breathes a skillful piano accompaniment provided by Mark Willett that adds tension and urgency and is reminiscent of the Mick Talbot Style Council era. This song hangs together well and will move you no matter how much of a sad bastard you are. Great Performance. This will no doubt appear on a sound track soon where we all pretend not to be effected. Cry if you want to!I'm Your Toy Listen to sample MP3

6. Because I dream (part 1 and 2) (F.Smithers 2000) (Perfromed by Panya and the Cuban Crisis) (Copyright Riva Records 2000)

A hint of the Phil Collins drum 'sshmack' in this that comes in after part one to provide more punch. A kind of 'cold play' with a hint of Tracy Thorn especially when the sultry tones of the 'soul singer' take us through part two which I thought rather smooth and quite uplifting. I loved the slide guitar.'Because I Dream'Listen to MP3 sample

7. A duck is duck (F.Smithers 1999) (Perfromed by The Cuban Crisis) (Copyright Riva Records 1999)

Slow groove/jazz orientation that actually has a nice vocal hook that has been borrowed from the soul books of 1975. Somebody has thought about this well and pulled out a blended original that is one for the late night drive home or the smokey blue jazz room. Definitely chilled.'A duck is a duck' listen to MP3

8. Accomplice (F.Smithers 2001) Performed by the Cuban Crisis (Copyright Riva Records 2001)

9. Kissin' in the Shadows (F.Smithers 2002) (Performed by the Cuban Crisis/Samples Sonny Rollins 1966) (Copyright Riva Records 2002) Kissin in the shadows sample mp3

11. Bronte Beat (F.Smithers 2002) Performed by the Cuban Crisis (Copyright Riva Records 2002)

12. Alice (F.Smithers 2002) Performed by the Cuban Crisis (Copyright Riva Records 2002)