Big League Rocks: A Genre-Bending Slugfest That Swings for the Fences
If you’re looking for an album that’s all over the damn map but somehow still sticks together, Big League Rocks by Various is your ticket to sonic chaos. Released in 2000 on EMI-Capitol Music, this wild ride throws Latin beats, folk rock vibes, smooth jazz riffs, and even novelty ditties into a blender—and somehow it doesn’t explode. It’s like they took every genre known to mankind, tossed ‘em up in the air, and let whatever stuck make the cut. And yeah, it’s messy as hell—but isn’t that what makes it fun?
Let’s talk tracks because not everything here hits a home run (though some definitely knock it outta the park). First up: “La Gozadera.” This track slaps harder than a fastball to the chest. With its infectious groove and fiery energy, it’s impossible not to move when this one drops. The mix of Latin percussion and funk undertones feels like someone cranked the party dial to eleven. You can almost picture yourself spilling salsa on your shirt while trying to dance—awkwardly, but with heart. If there’s one song that’ll get you hyped, it’s this chaotic masterpiece.
Then there’s “Take Me Out To The Ballgame,” which sounds exactly how you’d expect—a quirky, upbeat anthem perfect for chugging beer at a baseball game. But don’t sleep on it just yet. There’s something oddly comforting about hearing such a familiar tune reimagined with layers of twangy country guitars and soulful backing vocals. It’s cheesy as hell, sure, but in the best way possible. Like nachos piled high with jalapeños and extra cheese—you know it’s bad for you, but damn if it doesn’t taste amazing.
The rest of the album? Well, it’s kind of a grab bag. Some songs swing hard (“Eye Of The Storm”) while others feel like filler (“Past Due”). But hey, that unpredictability keeps things interesting. Kudos to producers Loren Harriett and Mark Weiner for daring to mash so many styles together without caring whether purists will cry foul. Hats off to Bob Fisher for mastering this mess into something listenable too.
Now, I gotta say—the design team (John Hamagami and Kris Tibor) deserves props for making the cover look cooler than it has any right to be. Honestly, half the charm of Big League Rocks comes from knowing it exists in the first place. Who else could pull off blending R&B grooves with country ballads and smooth jazz saxophone solos? Only someone completely unhinged—or maybe just really drunk.
So yeah, Big League Rocks ain’t perfect. Hell, it’s barely coherent most of the time. But isn’t life itself kinda like that? A jumbled-up collection of moments where sometimes you strike out, other times you hit a grand slam, and occasionally, you stumble across something unforgettable. Final verdict? Grab a copy if you want music that refuses to play by the rules. Or don’t. Either way, we’ll always have “La Gozadera.”
Oh, and PS—if anyone asks why you bought this album, just tell ‘em it was research for your next trivia night. No judgment here.
