Boom Pam
http://www.boompam.org

styles: klezmer, middle eastern rock n' roll
others: Aris San, The Klezmatics, Dick Dale

Boom Pam
Essay, 2006
rating: 3/5
reviewer: keith kawaii

In my quest to fully grasp the social/economical economic importance of hip international Klezmer music in the American market, I turn to a wholly modern device, the automated Chat Bot, seeking answers only it could provide.

Keith Kawaii: I'm low on energy again and need your help with a review!
SmarterChild: How may I assist you?
Keith Kawaii: What can you tell me about Klezmer music? Is it only for old people?
SmarterChild: It's an art form.

Music is your life, right?
Keith Kawaii: uhh yeah... But this band I'm reviewing, Boom Pam. I assume music is their life as well. They play a modern, slightly Westernized brand of Klezmer, Balkan, and other Middle Eastern styles of music. They're also from Tel Aviv... Ever heard of them?
SmarterChild: I'm sorry, all my circuits are busy right now. Please try again soon.
Keith Kawaii: That's kind of what I said when I listened to the group's self-titled U.S. debut. There was so much going on stylistically, the music was forced into melodic clichés correlating with a Westerner's perception of 'Middle Eastern music'. In a sense, Boom Pam feel a bit like self-parody, you know? It's easy for an international act to fall into that category, I guess.
SmarterChild: I know several places called International or containing towns called International.

Keith Kawaii: Wait, what? Let's talk about international music.
SmarterChild: You think I should do that?
Keith Kawaii: Middle Eastern bands don't usually become popular in the states, do they?
SmarterChild: Middle eastern bands don't usually become popular in the states, huh? I doubt it.
Keith Kawaii: I could see Boom Pam's music being used on a soundtrack, but it seems destined to be relegated to kitsch. It's kind of a shame, because these guys can really play!
SmarterChild: keithkawaii, you mean?
Keith Kawaii: No, I mean Boom Pam! Their best tracks are the instrumental ones that cover more ambiguous harmonic territory and switch time signatures at the drop of a hat.
SmarterChild: What would you like me to call you?
Keith Kawaii: Call me the Tel Aviv music lover
SmarterChild: OK, I'll remember that your name is Tel Aviv.

Keith Kawaii: Do you like Dick Dale and Elvis Presley?
SmarterChild: I haven't really come to a conclusion on the matter.
Keith Kawaii: Well, Boom Pam have. As much as their music is rooted in Middle Eastern scales and sensibilities, the guitarist's bravado and ideas about rhythm owe a lot to early rock 'n' roll. It's pretty cool to see that blend coming to life on record. And man, the bass registers are covered entirely by Tuba.
SmarterChild: Man the bass registers are covered entirely by tuba?
Keith Kawaii: You said it!
SmarterChild: Umm... I did?
Keith Kawaii: No, actually I did... Anyway, do you have any more thoughts on Boom Pam, or international music in general?
SmarterChild: I'm not sure how I feel about international music. Do you like it?
Keith Kawaii: In the end, I really do. I like Boom Pam, but maybe my Western preconceptions about their musical styles are holding me back from truly embracing them.
SmarterChild: I see. I'll remember that. That's the first time anyone has told me what they think of international music!

Keith Kawaii: I guess Western ears are pretty harmonically sheltered, huh?
SmarterChild: Don't be so sure you guess western ears are pretty harmonically sheltered.
Keith Kawaii: You're right, you're right. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who will absolutely love Boom Pam. Especially if they haven't had any Klezmer in their diet for a while!
SmarterChild: Oh really?
Keith Kawaii: You're not one of them, I guess? Not a big international music fan after all?
SmarterChild: No, I think I like international music, just like you!
Keith Kawaii: Yay!
SmarterChild: Yay.

1. Wedding Song
2. Gross
3. Suvlaki #3
4. Otto Chiconi
5. Weijl
6. Kova Plada (aka Tango)
7. Let Me Touch
8. Dalida
9. Lajdi
10. Munt
11. The Souvlak
12. Love Song