Album Review: Buffalo Bill by The Zippers – A Bubblegum-Electro Time Capsule from 1999
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Buffalo Bill by The Zippers—a sugary-sweet, neon-lit rollercoaster of a record that somehow managed to straddle both China and Italy in 1999. Yeah, you read that right. This isn’t your average Euro House banger; it’s got bubblegum pop vibes smeared all over it like frosting on a cupcake. And honestly? It kinda works.
First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or should I say, the buffalo? The album is basically four remixes of one track: “Buffalo Bill.” But don’t roll your eyes just yet. Each version brings something different to the table, like a buffet where every dish tastes suspiciously similar but still makes you want seconds.
I’ll start with my personal fave—the “Crazy Club Mix.” This thing hits harder than your ex’s new Instagram caption. Imagine walking into an Italian disco at 2 AM, sweat dripping off the walls, strobe lights flickering, and this track booming through the speakers. It’s got that relentless beat that forces even the shyest wallflower to shuffle their feet. There’s a moment around the two-minute mark where the synths go full-on chaotic—it’s like someone threw glitter into a fan and called it art. You can’t unhear it, and honestly, why would you want to?
Then there’s the “7'' Mix,” which feels like its more responsible cousin. Shorter, punchier, and way less likely to get you kicked out of a family BBQ for playing it too loud. If the Crazy Club Mix is the wild night out, this one’s the morning after when you’re nursing a coffee and trying to piece together what happened. It’s simple, sure, but sometimes simple sticks. Plus, it’s got this weirdly catchy hook that worms its way into your brain and sets up camp. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming it while stuck in traffic.
Now, here’s the kicker—this album came out under two labels: 北京麦爱文化传播有限公司 (that’s Beijing Mai Ai Culture Communication Co., Ltd. for those not fluent in Mandarin) and Interdance Records. So yeah, globalization was clearly having a moment back in ’99. Who knew bubblegum-electronic beats could bridge continents like that?
Looking back, Buffalo Bill feels like a quirky relic of its time. Sure, it’s repetitive, and no one’s claiming it’s high art. But isn’t that part of its charm? It’s unapologetically fun, like wearing mismatched socks or eating dessert first. In a world obsessed with being cool, The Zippers remind us that sometimes it’s okay to just... be a little weird.
And hey, if nothing else, listening to this album will make you appreciate how far music production has come since 1999. Or maybe it’ll inspire you to throw your own retro dance party. Either way, crank it up and let the absurdity wash over you. Just don’t blame me if you wake up tomorrow with “Buffalo Bill” stuck in your head.
