The Diplomats Of Solid Sound--Let's Cool One
Estrus 2003
The line between a good instrumental group and one that's just okay is pretty blurry, sometimes. That is until you hear an album like Let's Cool One. There's no doubt that the Diplomats Of Solid Sound have come up with something wothwhile in this outing. Your next party now has a parachute.
In terms of style, there is a very distinct and specific reference point for what the Diplomats Of Solid Sound do musically--Booker T & The MGs. These instro workouts are driven by Hammond B3 organ, Fender Rhodes electric piano, and a heartful of vintage tuned funky soul. Let's Cool One is a reverent tour through that sound and one of the best party records you could lay hands on. Wanna dance? Here's your ticket to go.
Yes, party is the main frame of mind for this kind of music. As such, continuity is the main key to success for Let's Cool One, which it has in spades--gotta keep that dance floor moving, after all. The songwriting is all very solid and flows in and out of itself seamlessly. When something on this disc stands out, it's usually because of unique instrumentation. The opening "The Cuber Bake" rises, thanks to a baritone sax skronk not found anywhere else on Let's Cool One. The Diplomats Of Solid Sound also manage to put one of those rubber band mouth harps to good use on "Swamp Chomp." Rhodes-powered closer "The Plush Club" plays like a track you'd hear during a romantic sequence from a blaxploitation flick, tenor sax adding an extra touch of class on this one.
Ultimately, when the humid Southern summer hits and everyone needs a little extra encouragement to do anything, Let's Cool One will be an invaluable asset. If this thing can't get a packed room of rocker girls to get shakin' what the good Lord gave 'em, you're probably out of luck. The Diplomats Of Solid Sound--a band who really live up to their name. Very good.
Score this CD directly from ESTRUS
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