Home Read Classic Album Review: Royal Crown Revue | The Contender

Classic Album Review: Royal Crown Revue | The Contender

The L.A. retro-swing outfit won't knock out the competition with this lightweight set.

This came out in 1998 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):

 


These days, the retro-swing ranks are crowded with contenders battling for the crown.

Unfortunately, L.A.’s Royal Crown Revue won’t knock out the competition with this lightweight offering. Oh sure, they’ve got some good moves — solid, punchy horns, decent hooks and even a little fancy footwork. Ultimately, though, their tough-mug shtik, second-rate covers and predictable arrangements have no legs.