No.59 - ‘Panic’ by Caravan Palace (2012)

“Everybody talkin' bout the power of the gospel; Getting the cool with the happy, they went fire; Seems to feel that beat you can't stop bouncing; Why don't we keep the rhythm just how it sounds…”

Growing up, there are defining songs and bands your ears here that form positive paths to musical enjoyment. For me, Madness, ELO, Oasis, Linkin Park and Thousand Foot Krutch, were my bridges into ska, 70s rock, brit pop, heavy metal and alternative Christian rock. There are also some that open up whole new genres one never knew existed. My good friend Phil introduced me to Caravan Palace and electro swing was firmly placed in my listening library.

Where to start?! Django style gypsy jazz infused with Daft Punk style electronica, samples of old swing and jazz tracks, excellent vocals, uptempo beats, huge bass, some downtempo songs, waltzes… Caravan Palace have an incredible sound that, in my opinion, sets them above any other electro swing band. They’ve teleported me back in time, and let me see a glimpse of the future from the past and it sounds so good.

A large plus point is that, other than the beats and samples, music is played live. Bass, guitars, vocals, piano and superb brass section. Their debut album, also excellent, focused more on huge upbeat jazz numbers and vocal hooks. Panic has a far more electro fill, but the songs are that little more listenable and catered to a wider audience. Please give this album a listen. You will not be disappointed.

Caravan Palace formed in 2006, Paris, when recruited to compose the soundtrack for a silent film. Panic reached no.20 in the French charts and 97 in the UK. It has been released on vinyl and I own the limited white edition.

Favourite songs -  Maniac, Clash, Beatophone, Rock It For Me

Other great albums - Caravan Palace (2008), Chronologic (2019)


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