REVIEW: The Baseballs - 'Strings and Stripes'

Having released their debut album 'Strike!' in 1999, basically an album of rockabilly covers of modern hits, that saw singles of great re-imaginings of Rihanna's 'Umbrella' and Katy Perry's 'Hot 'n' Cold', the German rock and roll band are back with a second album, 'Strings and Stripes' that basically takes that idea and updates it for tracks released this year, plus some older favourites. It might be a one-trick joke in the style of spoof bands like 'The Lancashire Hotpots' and 'Richard Cheese' but like the Lancastrian band and American lounge-music adaptor, it works for a whole album.

Kicking off with a cheesy Scott Mills opening (was he listening to Mark Goodier's appearance on Richard X's album perhaps) that should not have really been included, we get into their cover of 50 Cent's 'Candy Shop'. Already been adapted in cut down form in one of Wierd Al's Polka, it's where such pastiches are best in adapting a track that's wholly inappropriate to another style of music, in this case the rapper's 2005 track about sex. But, like most of the songs on the album, it really works.

Britney's 'Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman', Backstreet Boys' 'Quit Playing Games' and Alanis Morrisette's 'Bitch' all translate across well, though it's lead single 'Hello' (Martin Solveig), Paparazzi (Lady GaGa) and 'TikTok' (Ke$ha) that work the best by putting a new spin on a familiar track. 'Ghetto Superstar' is arguably better than the original, making the verses sound interesting, and their adaptation of 'California Gurls' finally bridges the gap between Katy Perry's ditty and the Beach Boys classic. I'm sure Brian Wilson will regret missing a trick.

The same could be said about their version of 'Coming Home' which probably surpasses the already excellent Puff Daddy track, and even Uncle Kracker's 'Follow Me' is resurrected to appear in its doo-wop splendour. Not quite sure about their version of Will Smith's 'Miami' though as a closer with it's great chorus but less effective verses. They even throw in what seems to be an original composition in 'Hard Not To Cry'.

With a few updated lyrics here and there this album is the perfect listen for the summer providing the weather keeps out. If you don't like their first album or hate these sort of one-trick adaptations then you won't find much to enjoy here, but if you loved 'Strike!' or enjoy hearing familiar songs given a fresh lick of paint then visit your local music shop now!

8/10