IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE to listen to the Cat Empire's second album (and U.S. debut), "Two Shoes," while sitting still: The Australian sextet rocks such a hip-shaking blend of jazz, soul, reggae and funk that the album sounds more like a live performance than something created in a studio. That's due in large part to their recording setting and choice of producer -- Cuba's Egrem Studios and Jerry Boys, respectively -- both responsible for 1997's "Buena Vista Social Club."...
THE CAT EMPIRE "Two Shoes" Velour Recordings
IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE to listen to the Cat Empire's second album (and U.S. debut), "Two Shoes," while sitting still: The Australian sextet rocks such a hip-shaking blend of jazz, soul, reggae and funk that the album sounds more like a live performance than something created in a studio. That's due in large part to their recording setting and choice of producer -- Cuba's Egrem Studios and Jerry Boys, respectively -- both responsible for 1997's "Buena Vista Social Club."...