“They’ve Got Those Mekong Blues Again” Response

They’ve Got Those Mekong Blues Again by R.J. Smith is an informative piece about the L.A.-based band, Dengue Fever. Smith’s story goes into a lot of depth about the band’s background because, to say the least, there’s a lot of it. He starts by describing the band as “an unlikely mix of 1960s Cambodian pop, rock, and other genres.” With so many different styles and backgrounds, it must be difficult to group their sound into any specific category. The band’s formation makes for an appealing story. Vocalist Chhom Nimol’s background as a Cambodian singer definitely enhances Smith’s piece and adds interest to the band’s overall image.

Smith also writes about the band’s spreading popularity and how they have been branching out of Los Angeles. Though Smith talks a lot about the band itself and Chhom’s history as a Cambodian vocalist, he could have spent more time describing and critiquing the band’s music. It’s difficult to gain a sense of how unique Dengue Fever’s sound really is just from reading this article. However, Smith does a good job of building up the interest and allure of the band, most likely spurring several readers to go out and buy some of Dengue Fever’s music.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/20/arts/music/20smit.html?ref=music