Product Description Klezmer-rock band Golem was founded by Annette Ezekiel Kogan in New York City, and since then, the band (Annette Ezekiel Kogan, Aaron Diskin, Jeremy Brown, Curtis Hasselbring, Taylor Bergren-Chrisman and Tim Monaghan) has become a leading re-interpreter and innovator of Yiddish and Eastern European music, pushing tradition forward into the 21st century. Golem performs nationally and internationally, from the east coast to the west, and from Paris to Mexico City to Stockholm to Warsaw. After self-released album, Homesick Songs, they released two albums, Fresh Off Boat and Citizen Boris on independent Jewish label, Jdub Records. Their new release, Tanz on Corasón Digital, marks a conscious move into new territory, with mainly original material created by the band. Golem s rock edge is given new emphasis by legendary Brooklyn producer Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might be Giants) who was able to capture their raucous energy. The album also features virtuoso New York guitarist Brandon Seabrook on three songs, including the traditional Tum Balalaika. With the release of Tanz, Golem forges forward with big plans for 2015, including festivals in Mexico, Europe and Serbia. Golem is known for its theatricality and fearless wild energy, combined with a boundless love of tradition. Golem is not your father s klezmer band, unless of course your father was Sid Vicious (Jewish Week). Review An album guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a dance in your step. And judging by the quality herein one wonders why it's taken them this long to do so! The joy of Golem lies in their unbridled, wild, joyous, riotous even heart. It's raw, unadulterated and it's the most colourful, emotional music you can find. It's also punk of course it's about doing what comes naturally, going with the flow and not worrying about anything except what you re doing. --louderthanwar.comThe New York band Golem has spent 14 years injecting punk attitude into the Klezmer cadences. They are persistently funny, irreverent, varied in subject matter, and at one moment heartbroken, the next deranged. Golem have put together their tightest program on their fourth album "Tanz." --NPR's Fresh AirThe title song translates dance, naturally, and is more frenetic than and very nearly as compelling as most of the many African-inspired calls to that activity. A- --Robert Christgau
R**L
Good Stuff
After hearing about Golem on NPR during my drive to work, I was instantly drawn in by the fantastic horns & kitschy lyrics. I knew I needed to hear the entire album, fun, energetic music. I do understand that Golem is an unusual band without a real genre to compare them to, their music is not for everyone-but if you enjoy such music as "The Red Elvises" or "B52's" or "Aquabats" you should give Golem a try. Great stuff. Really enjoy it.
B**T
Highly recommended to all devotees of punk Klezmer.
Highly recommended to all devotees of punk Klezmer. Of the albums I have purchased, it probably ranks in the top 10% or so. I like the varied moods of the songs on the album, and the fact that it's really not like anything else I listen to.
S**Y
Ugh!
Not what I expected. ve-e-e-ry strange. I returned it - or should I say they gave me credit, and I discarded it.
B**N
It would be a waste of both
Don't bother spending money or time to listen to this. It would be a waste of both.
B**S
Tanz is a monster
I noticed Golem on this season's episode of Louie. The song got stuck in my head, I looked it up and, what a surprise, their new album, Tanz, just came out. For people that know about music this album will be very impressive. So far it's my favorite album this year! While it's hard to put a label on Golem's music it's original, catchy and the lyrics are smart. Think Jewish Pogues! Get Tanz and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
T**N
The simultaneous laughter and tears of both joy and sadness
This band transcends genres while make party for everyone. The simultaneous laughter and tears of both joy and sadness, the hallmark of klezmer, are felt strongly even through Golem's dance-punk-rock-funk-Ified interpretation of it! Highly recommended... you'll never hear another band or another album anything like this. Little else out there is even marginally as interesting at this band.
W**K
Klezmer meets 21 century and keeps on rocking!
This album is a riot! The funky dance mood set by the title song carried me through the whole CD. The energy-filled rock vibe mixed with traditional Klezmer sorrows behind many songs make one dance even harder. And after I'm tired of dancing, I can listen to the songs again and learn why Vodka is Poison and how not be a shlemazl when taking over a plane (Poletim). It definitely is the best Golem album yet!
