Susquehanna (album)

Infobox Album |
Name = Susquehanna
Type = Studio album
Artist = Cherry Poppin' Daddies


Released = February 19, 2008 (Online Only)
June 10, 2008 (Compact Disc)
Recorded = June - July 2007
Genre = Latin
Rock
Third wave ska
Soft rock
Length =
Label =
Producer = Steve Perry
Reviews = Allmusic Rating|3.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:kxfpxztjldke link]
Last album = "Soul Caddy"
(2000)
This album = "Susquehanna"
(2008)
Next album =

"Susquehanna" is the fifth studio album by Oregon rock band Cherry Poppin' Daddies, released on the band's own label Space Age Bachelor Pad Records in 2008.

"Susquehanna"'s sound is predominantly Caribbean-influenced. Ska and Latin music play a large part, aided by touches of flamenco, soca, bossa nova and reggae, though the album also branches into swing, rockabilly, ska punk and glam rock. Says lead singer Steve Perry, "It's like a little movie, doing what I always do with genres, which is to use them kind of like paint. I use various genres and grind them against each other. I like to put a flamenco song next to a song that's a glam rock song next to a song that's a swing song, so that the flavor changes" [ [http://www.eugeneweekly.com/2008/04/24/music1.html Salvia, Vanessa. "Latin Lover". Eugene Weekly, 2008.] ]

Like their previous albums, "Susquehanna" is a concept album; each song is a narrative about memories; the song's characters remember their childhoods and parts of their lives both tragic and wonderful. Perry describes the album as "about losses and continuing on. Its about love, doubt and fatigue...and ultimately about gratitude" [ [http://www.daddies.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=31&category=0 Perry, Steve. "The Official CPD Website". 2008.] ] .

The album was released for digital download through the band's official website on February 19, 2008. The album was made available on compact disc on June 10, 2008.

Production History

News of a new album first came in mid-2006 during a radio interview with Steve Perry. He stated that the new album was in the process of being written, and would cover some new territory for the Daddies, drawing on Latin, tropical and reggae sounds, though it would contain a few swing tracks as well.Maxim, Bryce (Apr. 8, 2006). [http://www.am1160.net/audio/BSA%20-%2004-08-06%20Cherry%20Poppin%20Daddies%20M.mp3 Interview with Steve Perry (audio)] . WMLB AM 1160, "Backstage Atlanta".]

On February 9th, 2007, the band released demos of three new songs available for purchase: the reggae-tinged "Blood Orange Sun", the Latin-inspired "Bust Out", and the flamenco ballad "Roseanne".

According to the band's official MySpace blog, recording began on the 25th of June. By September 5th, the record was finally tracked but not fully mixed, and given the title "Susquehanna", after the river near where Steve Perry grew up (until then, the album went under a number of working titles, including "Truth & Consequences" and "The Good Things"). Perry has confirmed that there are 12 tracks on the album, and they're "...all part of the same story..... does that make it a rock opera, concept album or just a bunch of stuff that happened?"Perry, Steve (Sep. 5, 2007). [http://www.daddies.com/news.html Official Website Update] . Daddies.com]

Track listing

All songs composed by Steve Perry

#"Bust Out" – 4:08
#"The Mongoose and the Snake" – 3:20
#"Hi and Lo" – 3:39
#"Blood Orange Sun" – 3:20
#"White Trash Toodle oo" – 2:39
#"Julie Grave" – 3:24
#"Roseanne" – 3:10
#"Hammerblow" – 3:00
#"Tom the Lion" – 4:08
#"Wingtips" – 4:10
#"Breathe" – 4:00
#"The Good Things" – 3:40
#"Arrancate" – 4:07

Previous availability

An earlier version of track 3 was available on "Vacationing in Palm Springs", a Split 7" with Reel Big Fish.

Credits

Cherry Poppin' Daddies

Steve Perry - vocals, guitar, keyboards
Dana Heitman - trumpet
Dan Schmid - bass
Jason Moss - guitar
Sean Flannery - tenor and bari saxophones
Dustin Lanker - keyboards, vocals
Tim Donahue - drums
Joe Manis - alto and bari saxophones

Additional Musicians

Billy Barnett - guitar, bass
Jamie Woods - acoustic guitar
Rose Woods - castanets, wood floor flamenco
Ishi Woods - cajón, percussion
Ricardo Cardenas - guitar
Tim Clark - trumpet
Glen Bonny - trombone
Glen Griffith - trombone
Lydia Van Dreel - french horn
Dale Bradley - cello
Kristin Halay - flute

References