Gogol Bordello are notorious for their wildly chaotic live shows. I never had a chance to see their show in Saskatoon a few months ago, but a few people have told me it was the sweatiest and most fun show they have ever been to. Judging by their Live From Axis Mundi DVD, which was released last year, these accounts seem pretty accurate.
Somehow, the raucous energy of Eugene Hutz and his rowdy crew of gypsy punks has translated fairly well to the studio, resulting in party-ready albums like Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike and Super Taranta! And no matter how much I play these albums, "Start Wearing Purple" still remains one of my favourite songs ever. (And it's perfect for a wedding!)
On their fifth album, Trans-Continental Hustle, the band have hooked up with producer extraordinaire Rick Rubin (Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Petty). Wisely, Rubin hasn't tampered much with the Gogol Bordello formula (or lack thereof). Instead, he has simply tightened the reins a little bit and given the songs a little more structure. What is most surprising is the subtlety that is evident on a handful of tunes. In particular, "When Universes Collide" is primarily a fairly pretty folk song that gradually builds up momentum. Judging from their past, this song should not work. Yet, songs like this add a nice diversity to a band primarily known for going full tilt all the time.
Having been signed to Rubin's American Recordings label and attaining Madonna's seal of approval, the days of seeing this band in sweaty clubs may be nearly over. However, these guys would be absolutely insane in a festival environment.
You can check out their performance "Pala Tute" from Live With Jools Holland below:
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