Sometimes it can be a complex thing reviewing records ... okay, not really.

I do recognize the high level of musicianship and competence involved in making a record and I can't say a record's bad just because it's not my cup of tea; I can only say it isn't the kind of record I would buy. But if you dig funky modern jazz meets reggae meets a pop rock groove that's totally danceable, then Gold Standard's "Swap Meet" would serve you well.

It's not to say there aren't moments I got sucked up into the album. I dug the opening track, "Enjoy," with its catchy chorus and extended solo break. Also, the upbeat romp of "Frozen Waste" was fun as was the Caribbean groove and political overtone of "Fire Bomb." The production throughout the record was outstanding and the entourage of instrumentation never left a dull moment.

Like I said, this is a good record, but there are ton of good records I don't get into and wouldn't buy. Perhaps it's my envy that I don't possess their level of musicianship. I don't know. A lot of people say the Eagles are great and I wouldn't be caught dead with one of their records. But Gold Standard definitely kicks the Eagles' ass. NH

www.goldstandardband.com