Special Surprise

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Luke Buda

Usually Ships: 2 - 6 Days
Normally: ~~$29.95~~
SmokeCDs Price: $27.95

Disc 1:
#	Track Name	MP3 Sample
1	Cosmic Danse	MP3 sample

2	Special Surprise	MP3 sample

3	The Stallion	MP3 sample

4	Sauerkraut Bossa	MP3 sample

5	The Prophet	MP3 sample

6	Slav To The Rhythm	MP3 sample

7	The Werewolf	MP3 sample

8	Dimiti's Blues	MP3 sample

9	Atomic Pash	MP3 sample

10	Pennyfarthing	MP3 sample

11	A Helpful Hand	MP3 sample

12	Innuendo	MP3 sample

Smoke Notes

Luke Buda is probably better known to New Zealand music fans as one of the two frontmen for The Phoenix Foundation, and listening to Special Surprise invokes pleasant memories of that band's debut album. Not surprising really, considering the rest of the 'Phoenecians' appear on various tracks throughout the album, along with other Wellington musical luminaries such as Craig Terris (Cassette), Rio Hemopo (TrinityRoots), Mike Fab (The Black Seeds), Tom Callwood (The Little Bushmen), Stevie G (Rhombus) and Luke Benge (The Inkling).
With its layered vocal harmonies played out against sumptuous musical backdrops, Special Surprise is a pleasure to listen to, and the quality of the production belies the fact that most of it was recorded at Buda's house high on the slopes of Aro Valley ("up a wee hill/and down a dead-end street/this is where we build our nest of love" as he sings on the album's title track).
Much like his online stage persona, the album is a playful, irreverent affair, full of subtle touches and whimsical musical ideas ("Saurekraut Bossa") that in lesser hands might fall flat, but which Buda pulls off with endearing and enjoyable aplomb. It's a nuanced album as well - repeated listenings reward the listener with new sonic discoveries to savour and admire. Synth tones sweep in and out, shakers shake and reversed guitar lines squiggle in the background. If you enjoy the Phoenix Foundation, or intelligent music that doesn't take itself too seriously, then without a doubt this album belongs in your collection. Highly recommended.

Product Details

Artist: Luke Buda
Album: Special Surprise
Cat #: AHR020
Date: 28/03/2006
Format: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Label: Arch Hill
Usually Ships: 2 - 6 Days
Genres: Alt/Indie/Punk , New Zealand , Pop
Normally: ~~$29.95~~
SmokeCDs Price: $27.95