Disco de The Mavericks: “Trampoline”

Ostensibly, this is country music but, despite the inclusion of a steel guitar, a banjo and some acoustic guitars, this album cannot really be described as country - even using contemporary definitions. Along with the aforementioned instruments, there are electric guitars, organs, pianos, drums, strings and a full horn section including trumpet, trombone, saxophone, flute and clarinet. Of all the instruments, the horn section is the most important but what makes the album so successful is that, despite the plethora of musicians, the overall fell of the album is relaxing and the musicians never get in the way of the outstanding voice of Raul Malo.

The album didn't fit easily into any popular category, which may explain why it became far more popular in Britain (where radio stations generally play a broad range of music) than America (where radio stations cater for specific audiences). The first single (Dance the night away) made the top five in the UK pop charts, much to my surprise and delight. There are many other great songs here, all of them originals.

This is an outstanding album, very different from their previous album (Music for all occasions) or indeed anything else they've recorded. Country fans may not appreciate it (unless they have eclectic tastes, like me) but if you enjoy high quality, easy listening music, you might enjoy this album.

Raul Malo is a gifted, powerful vocalist and musician and the Mavericks have always been a showcase for his talents so it's not surprising that the group eventually disbanded. During their tenure, the Mavericks released several wonderful albums and I love them all. However, 1998's TRAMPOLINE revitalized the band's stylistic fusion of power pop, country-rock, honky-tonk and Latin music. TRAMPOLINE is absolutely the least "country" album the band has ever recorded, but it's the uniqueness of the sound that makes it such a mesmerizing work. Throughout the CD, we're offered morsels of everything from sitar to horns, from the Beatles to Sinatra, from up-tempo dance tunes to slow sultry ballads. The standout track for me "I've Got This Feeling" although "Dance The Night Away," "Fool #1,"To Be With You," "Dream River" and "Tell Me Why" are also favorites.

I first became interested in The Mavericks when I saw the music video for the song "Dance tht Night Away", so I searched for the disc that contained that song, which led me to "Tramploine". I must say, I was extremely happy when I heard the other songs on the CD as well. Of course, "Dance the Night Waay" is my favorite, but "I Should Know", "Someone Should Tell Her", and "I've Got This Feeling" are good, too. Raul Malo's strong voice really makes this CD enjoyable to listen to, and the insturmentals from the other band members are first-rate. I highly recommend this great CD. Listen and find out what makes The Mavericks one of the best country groups around.

One of the blessings of the CD-era is the ability to skip less-favorable songs. With this album you don't need to. From start to finish, this is a billiant tour of the song-writing talent of Raul Malo. Highlights include the the subtly deceiving Latin sounds of "Dance the Night Away" and the misty-eyed nostalgia of "To Be With You." The old-time Gospel sound of "Save a Prayer" will get your feet tapping, and the mellow, soothing sounds of "Dream River" is a perfect way to end a fantastic album.

"to be with you" was the song my wife and i danced to at our wedding, and this cd is what we listened to while dating.......in fact, the wife and i both would've liked the band to play the wedding but i dont think our budget couldve handled it.....they are the gratest party band in the world.....either way, this cd is in my all time top 5 with the old 97's "too far to care", whiskeytown's "stranger's almanac", stone roses' self titled, and wilco's "summerteeth".