Album Review: All He Does Is Follow Them Around Something Seems Tingle Ingle Ing by Victor Military Band
Alright, buckle up, folks. We’re diving into a slice of musical history that feels like it was plucked straight outta 1914—and not just because it was. The Victor Military Band brings us this quirky gem of brass-and-military goodness, and honestly? It’s like stepping into your great-grandpa’s record collection but in the best way possible.
Let’s start with the title track, “All He Does Is Follow Them Around.” First off, what even is that name? It sounds like someone trying to explain their dog’s behavior at a park. But here’s the kicker—it’s weirdly catchy. The horns blast away like they’ve got something to prove (maybe they do?), and there’s this relentless energy that makes you wanna march around your living room in socks. I mean, sure, it’s not exactly “turnt” by today’s standards, but back then? This was probably the hot playlist for flappers and dandies alike. You can almost picture some overly stiff army officer nodding along while secretly wishing he could cut loose and boogie.
Then there’s “Something Seems Tingle-Ingle-Ing,” which—I kid you not—might be the most fun song title ever written. Like, did someone sneeze mid-composition and decide to roll with it? Anyway, this tune has a mischievous vibe, like it knows it’s being ridiculous but doesn’t care one bit. The trumpets go full-on peppy, and the percussion keeps things bouncy enough to make you forget you’re technically listening to a century-old relic. There’s a moment halfway through where everything syncs up perfectly, and you’re left thinking, “Wait…is this…cool?” Yeah, buddy. It absolutely is.
Now, let’s talk context. Released under the Victor label in the good ol’ US of A, this album screams patriotism without saying a word. It’s like the musical equivalent of an antique flag waving proudly on a porch somewhere. And yeah, it’s dated as heck, but isn’t that part of its charm? Listening to this feels like eavesdropping on another era, where life was simpler, slower, and maybe a little sillier.
Here’s the thing, though. As much as I enjoy these tracks, I can’t help but wonder if the band members were having an existential crisis during recording. Did they look at each other after playing “Tingle-Ingle-Ing” and go, “Uh…what are we doing?” Or were they dead serious, convinced they were creating timeless art? Either way, props to ‘em for leaning into the absurdity.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely—if you’re into oddball historical curiosities or need background music for a vintage-themed shindig. Just don’t expect any bass drops or autotune. Oh, and fair warning: once you hear “Tingle-Ingle-Ing,” you won’t unhear it. Trust me. That jingle will haunt your dreams—and oddly enough, you’ll kinda love it.
Final thought: If 1914 had TikTok, this album would’ve been EVERYWHERE.
