Susquehanna cover

Susquehanna

Cherry Poppin' Daddies · 2009

47 min · 13 tracks · funk rock

A vibrant blend of ska, swing, and rock infused with playful lyrics and infectious rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bust Out — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its exhilarating tempo and catchy horn arrangements, encapsulating the band's lively spirit.
  • →
    Blood Orange Sun — With its unique lyrical imagery and a blend of funk-rock elements, this track highlights the band's ability to weave storytelling into their music.
  • →
    Wingtips — This song features a smooth groove and engaging melodies that exemplify the Daddies' knack for crafting danceable tunes with thoughtful lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases genre-blending but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its peers.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with prominent brass sections, while the second half introduces slower tempos and more introspective lyrics.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.
  • The arrangement often shifts between genres within a single song, blending elements of ska, swing, and rock seamlessly.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo flow
  • playful and energetic vibes
  • engaging for active listening
  • consistent groove throughout
  • varied song lengths

Where this album fits

Career context
By the release of 'Susquehanna' in 2009, Cherry Poppin' Daddies were navigating a post-swing revival landscape, having achieved mainstream success with their breakout album, 'Zoot Suit Riot', nearly a decade earlier. This record marked their continued evolution as they explored more diverse musical styles while maintaining their signature energetic sound.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bust Out 4:12
  • 2 The Mongoose and the Snake 3:24
  • 3 Hi and Lo 3:42
  • 4 Blood Orange Sun 3:24
  • 5 White Trash Toodleoo 2:43
  • 6 Julie Grave 3:27
  • 7 Roseanne 3:14
  • 8 Hammerblow 3:04
  • 9 Tom the Lion 4:12
  • 10 Wingtips 4:14
  • 11 Breathe 4:04
  • 12 The Good Things 3:43
  • 13 Arrancate 4:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata