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From start to finish, this album which could lurch into the realms of kitsch and novelty concentrates instead on songmanship.
Of course 'The Secret Of Life' is largely pop hits played by ukeleles, and it has undisputable novelty value. But like all those great easy listening albums where brass bands play The Beatles, the band play it so straight that the songs stand proud.
What surprises is not the silliness, but how well tunes like 'Miss Dy-na-mi-tee' and 'Le Freak' stand up to the ukelele treatment. And while 'McArthur Park' is just as weird as ever, The Shadows 'Wonderful Land' seems to have been written for this unsung hero of stringed instruments.
So although this album might not actually contain The Secret Of Life, there's certainly some truth hidden in the Ukelele Orchestra's unique sound. Just what, though, I couldn't tell you.
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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