Album Review: Nice And Slow Come On by The Bawdies
Man, if you haven’t heard Nice And Slow Come On by The Bawdies yet, you’re seriously missing out. This 2014 gem from Japan is one of those albums that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. It’s got funk, it’s got rock, it’s even got a little bluesy swagger—basically, it's like someone took all your favorite genres, shook 'em up in a cocktail shaker, and poured out something uniquely badass.
Let me tell ya about two tracks that stuck with me long after the needle lifted off (yeah, I still use a turntable). First up, “IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY.” Holy cow, this tune hits different. From the opening riff, it feels like walking into a dimly lit club where everyone knows how to throw down. The energy? Electric. The groove? Impossible not to move to. There’s just something so raw and unfiltered here—it reminds me of why garage rock will always have my heart. Like, yeah, there are imperfections, but they make it feel alive, like it could fall apart at any second and somehow stay perfect anyway.
Then there’s “Come On”, which honestly might as well be renamed “Earworm Anthem.” That beat digs itself deep into your brain and camps out for days. You know when a song comes on and suddenly you're air-drumming on your steering wheel like a total dork? Yeah, that happens every damn time with this track. It’s punchy, it’s relentless, and it makes you wanna grab life by the horns—or maybe just dance awkwardly in your living room while no one’s watching.
The whole album rides this sweet spot between tight musicianship and loose, carefree vibes. It’s clear these guys weren’t trying too hard—they just let their freak flag fly, and we get to reap the rewards. Plus, bonus points for being Japanese because, let’s face it, Japan has been quietly schooling the world on cool for decades now.
But here’s the kicker—the thing that really got me thinking. Listening to Nice And Slow Come On feels like stepping back in time without actually leaving the present. Like, imagine if The Beatles decided to jam with James Brown during some alternate universe hangout session. Weird combo? Sure. But also kinda genius. And that’s exactly what makes this record special—it defies expectations in the best way possible.
So yeah, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “Come On” for the next three days straight. Oh, and hey, random thought: wouldn’t it be wild if aliens landed tomorrow and their first question was, “Do you have any Bawdies albums?” Food for thought.
