power pop criminals

THE SWINGING MADISONS - 5-SONG 12" EP (1981)

Originally from Santa Barbara, California, singer keyboardist songwriter Kristian Hoffman began his musical career in New York's Mumps (with high school friend Lance Loud of original sin reality TV show An American Family infamy), a group which never issued an album until its recorded oeuvre was collected many years later in "Fatal Charm". and recently in "How I Saved The..". Hoffman also did time in James White's band and then formed and led the Swinging Madisons to play humorous rock for hipsters. The five songs on that group's 12-inch showcase his penchant for sardonic social commentary, à la Tom Lehrer, and unlikely rearrangements of such familiar tunes as "Volare" and a rockabilly rendition of Donovan's "Hurdy Gurdy Man." The disc also includes three originals, the best of which is the rueful "My Mediocre Dream." Some demos are available on the Kristian Hoffman website.
Hoffman subsequently relocated to Los Angeles, where he joined Congo Norvell and then launched a solo career which has encompassed solo folk-pop (I Don't Love My Guru Anymore) and charming, effervescent rock-pop (Earthquake Weather, produced and played on by frequent studio compadre Earle Mankey). Hoffman's magnum opus, however, is & (some of the guests are Ron & Russell Mael, Darian Sahanaja, Michael Quercio, Van Dyke Parks, Steve McDonald and more....Trouser Press

Songs
Hurdy Gurdy Man / Guilty White Liberal / Put Your Bra Back On / Volare / My Mediocre Dream