That's Him Officer\nVinnie Santino/Royal Crown Revue\nPacific Force\nThe idea of playing a whole album of TV cop show themes probably sounds a little strange but kind of cool. That's Him Officer actually is an instrumental disc made up of these theme tunes, but it's also a lot more. The mood and overall theme of the album are obvious from the start. On top of that, you can immediately hear the band's ability to create a pocket to groove in. \nEach track is an original, full of hot jazz solos and swinging riffs, which makes sense with a lineup that includes two trumpets, three saxes and Gretsch guitar. Other instruments, like marimba, piano and bongos join in on occasion. Hooks and harmonies are everywhere and the tracks are all appropriate in length. Every musician is adept and more importantly, they make it easy to hear that they're having fun. In fact, though none of it sounds raw or loose, much of it contains a very live feel.\nThe instruments transform from band members into characters at different times. "You Gots a Reel Purdy Mouf" even has a saxophone wail that closely resembles a siren. On virtually every track there is an upright bass, and you feel it creeping up behind you each walking line. Every number has a role of its own too, accompanied by a ridiculous name. "Special Rate Sherry" has sort of a sexy swing to it, while "Natural Born Ugly" is more of a car chase, and "Big Irv the Meatman" struts like a pimp on a midnight stroll (not that I'd know!).\nSantino and Royal Crown Revue could have made an album of jazzed up rip-offs or a watered-down, marketable swing album like the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. The fact is that they didn't. That's Him Officer is a fun, original concept that is only cheesy when it needs to be and is otherwise extremely well developed. \nThe problem is really deciding what the true highlight of the album is. Is it the solos, the execution of the concept itself, how the band members play off each other or just the fact that I've listened to it two times in a row and it only seems to get better? On top of that, it's full of color, character and tight arrangements. It's so good I might just make an extra copy to put in my car in case I ever get pulled over!\n
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