Pat Angello Fan Club Music Blog

So, what exactly IS gypsy punk music?  Look no further than Eugene Hutz and his band of, well, gypsies called Gogol Bordello.

I was introduced to Gogol Bordello about 3 years ago thanks to CMJ New Music Monthly magazine.  CMJ is released monthly (well, more or less – hence the name, but don’t be fooled by Gentlemen’s Quarterly, which annoys me by coming out monthly – whatever!) and is accompanied by a CD of 20 or so songs by new(er) bands that are normally reviewed or interviewed in the magazine.  It’s a great introduction to new music that you probably never would have heard of, especially since there are no decent video channels and the radio stations in Denver suck so hard that Hoover and Dyson are getting in bidding wars over them.  Anyway, CMJ threw a song called “Start Wearing Purple” by Gogol Bordello on a compilation a few years back and I have added that tune to a few compilations of my own, if ya know what I mean.  Um, I mean I’ve used it on some homemade CD compilations I’ve burned for people.  Duh!  “Purple” was a relatively slower polka-type of song that was very entertaining thanks to Hutz’ deep Ukrainian accent and goofy lyrics.

Now, with 3 CDs and new label (not to mention another single on the latest CMJ), Hutz and kin are ready to really tackle the world.  But is the world ready for all of them?

Do you miss the Clash?  Do you kinda enjoy the violin in the Dave Matthews Band?  Do you have an odd attraction to Weird Al’s accordion?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, well then you better give Gogol Bordello a listen!  The music really sounds a lot like the Clash with an accordion and violin, and Hutz’ voice is basically Joe Strummer with a Ukrainian accent.  Sure there are a few slower tunes and some of the bass lines resemble that of an oom-pah band, but those songs are intertwined with really catchy songs that are upbeat and fun.  The band has a very original sound, mixing classic punk with Ukrainian folk music, and lyrics are very goofy.  For instance, even though there is a song called “Sally” on the disc, pretty much anytime Hutz refers to a female on the CD he calls her Sally.  Oh, and “Start Wearing Purple” is on the disc as well!  Other highlights (kinda hard to narrow it down because I thoroughly enjoy the entire CD) include “Not a Crime” and “Avenue B.”  Sure there are a few four-letter words, but that’s half the fun as well.  Don’t let my Dave Matthews Band analogy deter you as I really don’t care for Dave Matthews, but I do love me some Gogol Bordello.

Just as a stupid side note, you may be hearing a lot more from Eugene Lutz in the future.  He’s quite the character, and Hollywood has started to notice.  Look for him in a new film by Liev Schreiber called Everything Is Illuminated, which also stars Elijah Wood.

Take a gander at their website and take the time to navigate through.  It’s a bit complexing, but well worth the time.  The funner than fun Ukrainian group of freaky gypsies is about to take over music.  Are you ready?

4.5 out of 5!