Charlie Faye & The Fanimals

Charlie Faye & The Fanimals

Charlie Faye & The Fanimals (from the self-titled album available on Daydream Believer Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Best described as a children’s album for adults, Charlie Faye & The Fanimals is an upbeat, engaging, and ebullient set of songs invoking the innocence and optimism that each of us so decidedly deserve. The cheery tunes and catchy choruses often bring to mind the girl groups of the 1970s and 1980s — The Bangles and The Go-Go’s in particular —-and the roots of one song, “Get Down”, even appears to go further back than that, sounding like a not-so-subtle replay of the Isley Brothers’ “Twist and Shout”.
 
It’s all in good fun of course, and songs such as “7 Days of Fun”, “Milo Wears a Tutu”, “Snack Time”, “Cookie Tree”, “Puppy in the Bath”, and “Octopus Getting Dressed” all stay true to their titles as far as their descriptive narratives are concerned. Each track seems to literally bounce along, all cheery and charming in equal measure. The whistled refrain of “Armadillo” varies the delivery to a certain extent, but not enough to break the stride or sabotage the sound. A number of special guests also add their input — BettySoo and Alina Adderly on vocals, Pete Thomas of Elvis Cosltello’s Attractions fame on drums, Jim Brunberg, a Power Pop maestro in his own right, on bass, and of course Ms. Faye herself singing lead. Charlie Faye also wrote or cowrote all the offerings, suggesting that she was in a giddy, new mother, mindset when she put the project together.
 
Still, those who might tend to shy away or negate the album entirely due to thinking it’s aimed solely at adolescents might want to rethink any prior prejudices. It’s said that a hidden child lurks within each of us, and it’s only waiting for an opportunity to let make its presence known. Thankfully then, Charlie Faye & The Fanimals provide the necessary opportunity to aid in its escape. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Please go to the Charlie Faye and the Fanimals website for more purchase and artist information