Album Notes

A box set tribute to the great rock and roll club, CBGB in New York City. The set includes 3 audio CD's and a DVD

My first time playing CBGB was June of 1976 with a band called The Rips. At that time there was no stage. Bands just set up in the corner. 30 years later on Tuesday May 16 @ 10 PM, I am playing the big stage once again with The Bossa Nova Beatniks. Why? Because it is so much fun.

This time we are celebrating the release of our first box set, which is a musical tribute to that historic venue.

The 4 disc set features 3 audio CD’s and one DVD. The disc features songs like “Surf Babies” which is already slated for the soundtrack of a documentary about Asbury Park and its music, the modern day protest song “You Took The Money” written as a direct reaction to the administration’s incompetence in the handling of Hurricane Katrina relief and well just about everything. Songs that are staples of our live set Jack Jack, Everybody Get Some, American Dream, and Ack Ack are included.

We feel that the collection captures the raw energy and originality that has been CBGB for over three decades.

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to experiment and develop our own unique sound thanks to the vision of Hilly Kristal.

We will be most sad when CBGB’s closes its doors for the last time on Halloween of 2006.

“In a slightly better world, everyone would play in a band. In a much, much better world, we would all sound like the Bossa Nova Beatniks. It's amazing that it works, but it does. The group brings energy, skill and humor to almost every style they attempt. It's the kind of band you always hope is playing down at the local tavern on Saturday nights.”
Jennifer Kelly Splendid E-zine

“Describing themselves as ‘one of the most unique and original bands in New York’ BNB certainly live up to that description. Bandleader Tom Gould's songs often have an indefinable quality, bouncing from pop to jazz to world rhythms - sometimes within a single song. Constantly re-inventing themselves, the Bossa Nova Beatniks are a very dynamic live act as well. Expect a wide range of emotions and rhythms to flood from the stage.” SAM ASH website

"Music for all times and all countries." Dragan Stajic - The "Balkan"(Yugoslavia's national newspaper)

“Gould's songwriting has grown better and better, and his band seems to be able to reinvent itself with every new record.” Kevin Amorim - New York Newsday

"The Bossa Nova Beatniks turn the lilt of tropical island music into an idiosyncratic mélange fit for the edgiest downtown club." Joshua Tanzer - offoffoff.com

"Smart, seductive songs in the best possible light" Aiding and Abetting E-zine

"Smokey gruff cool...swaggering” Mike Breen - Cincinnati City Beat

“Intoxicating vibe. The grooves are undeniably infectious in a detached dreamy way, while Gould's lyrics have an escapist quality ready to bring coconut-scented relief to all.” Ian D'Giff - New York Newsday

“As always, regardless of the players, vintage or source of the material, you'll find Tom Gould and his friends having fun playing music, and as always, you'll have fun listening to it.” Shaun Dale - Cosmic Debris E-zine