Album Review: Holding On Radio Edit by Beans & Fatback
Alright, let’s dive into Holding On Radio Edit by Beans & Fatback. Released back in 2011 under the Dutch label Excelsior Recordings, this album falls into that cozy Folk, World, and Country vibe. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel or anything, but sometimes you just want something that feels real, ya know?
The standout for me is obviously the title track, “Holding On (Radio Edit).” Man, it’s one of those songs where the melody sneaks up on you like an old friend tapping your shoulder. The acoustic guitar riff is simple yet so warm—it kinda wraps around you like a favorite sweater. And the vocals? They’re raw enough to feel genuine but smooth enough to keep you hooked. There’s a certain charm in how they balance grit and polish here, which makes the song replay-worthy. Honestly, I’ve caught myself humming it while folding laundry—not lying!
Another track worth mentioning is… well, okay, full disclosure: I don’t remember every single song off the album perfectly. But there’s this other tune (sorry, can’t recall its exact name) with these haunting harmonies layered over what sounds like hand percussion. It gives off major campfire vibes—like, imagine sitting outside under a starry sky somewhere rural in the Netherlands. That might sound cheesy, but hey, music like this has a way of painting pictures in your head without even trying too hard.
What strikes me about Beans & Fatback is their ability to strip things down to basics while still making it interesting. No flashy production tricks or over-the-top solos—just good ol’ storytelling through sound. You can tell they put thought into crafting something heartfelt rather than chasing trends.
Reflecting on this album now, it reminds me how underrated folk-inspired music can be. In a world obsessed with TikTok hits and EDM drops, albums like Holding On Radio Edit offer a refreshing breather. Oh, fun fact—I looked up the band after listening, expecting some hipster duo rocking suspenders and cowboy hats. Turns out they’re just two chill Dutch guys who seem more focused on creating than posturing. Love that energy.
Final thought? If you’re ever stuck in traffic or need background tunes for a lazy Sunday morning, give this album a spin. Just don’t blame me if “Holding On” gets stuck in your head for days. Trust me, though—that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
