Slow Burn Season 10, Episode: Decoder Ring | Jump, Jive and Fail: The ’90s Swing Craze

Host: Willa Paskin | Release Date: January 29, 2025

Introduction to the ’90s Swing Revival

In this episode of Decoder Ring, host Willa Paskin delves into the vibrant yet fleeting resurgence of swing music in the 1990s. Often dismissed as corny or a mere fad, the swing revival was a complex phenomenon that saw underground subcultures merge with mainstream media, leading to both explosive popularity and swift decline.

Origins and Key Figures

Royal Crown Revue and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

The revival's roots trace back to passionate musicians like Mondo Dorame of Royal Crown Revue and Scotty Morris of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. These artists, inspired by classics from the late 1920s to the 1950s, sought to infuse swing with punk rock energy and a modern twist.

• Mondo Dorame: Grew up immersed in old jazz and blues, influenced by his father’s musical tastes.
• Scotty Morris: Combined his love for jazz and punk, forming Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to create a unique sound that blended swing with high-energy performances.

Scotty Morris [07:06]: "I definitely knew I was different, but in a way, I didn't mind it. I embraced it."

Squirrel Nut Zippers and Cherry Poppin' Daddies

Parallel to the California-based bands, Tom Maxwell of Squirrel Nut Zippers and Steve Perry of Cherry Poppin' Daddies were cultivating their distinct sounds in places like Chapel Hill and Eugene, Oregon. These bands were not directly influenced by their Californian counterparts but contributed to the broader swing revival movement.

Tom Maxwell [15:02]: "The Club Deluxe is a bar that had never changed since the 40s. Completely art deco on the inside. Absolutely magnificent."

The Role of Media and Commercialization

The Gap Commercial Phenomenon

A pivotal moment in the swing revival was the Gap’s 1997 television commercial, which featured meticulous swing dancing choreographed by Travis Payne and performed by Christian Perry. The commercial, inspired by the 1941 film Hellzapoppin', utilized the groundbreaking "bullet time" effect and showcased authentic swing moves, igniting widespread interest.

Jack (Carl Bird) [43:10]: "We went hard on. Let's find music that makes us feel something. If we can make people feel something about the Gap, they're gonna go to the store."

The ad's success catapulted swing into mainstream consciousness, leading to increased visibility for swing bands and a surge in demand for swing music and dancing.

Swing in "Swingers" and Chart-Topping Hits

The indie film "Swingers" (1996), featuring songs like "Hey Pachuco" by Royal Crown Revue and "Zoot Suit Riot" by Cherry Poppin' Daddies, played a significant role in cementing swing’s popularity. The latter became a top 40 hit, propelling neo swing into the limelight.

John Bunkley [31:59]: "Zoot Suit Riot was a top 40 hit... the surrealist music video became one of MTV's most played of 1998."

Mainstream Breakthrough and Overexposure

By the late 1990s, swing had permeated various facets of popular culture—from TV commercials and movie soundtracks to radio stations and dance clubs. However, this rapid commercialization diluted the genre's authenticity, leading to oversaturation.

Michael Moss [55:35]: "The scene was dead, was dead. You couldn't get a show. You said swing. It became a dirty word."

Reasons for Swing’s Sudden Decline

Several factors contributed to the swift downfall of the swing revival:

1. Commercial Exploitation: The overuse of swing music in advertising and media transformed it into a marketing tool, stripping it of its original rebellious and authentic essence.

2. Lack of Depth in Talent Pool: The influx of numerous swing bands stretched the talent thin, resulting in a decline in musical quality as labels prioritized quantity over craftsmanship.

3. Cultural Appropriation and Disconnect: Originally a black-led genre, the predominantly white neo swing scene overlooked its roots, leading to criticisms of cultural appropriation and a lack of genuine engagement with swing's heritage.

4. Shift in Public Perception: What began as a fresh and energetic movement quickly became seen as a caricature, with oversized suits and cliched aesthetics overshadowing the music and dance's true spirit.

Scotty Morris [35:44]: "Everybody took it like it was a party. It's a party. Let's put a zoot suit on and go out there and have fun and dance. And it wasn't about that."

Reflection on Neo Swing’s Legacy

Decades later, neo swing is often mocked or viewed as a cringe-worthy moment in musical history. However, this perspective overlooks the genuine passion and artistic effort that fueled the revival. The episode argues that the swift transformation from underground to mainstream perfection made it difficult to sustain, leading to its eventual caricature.

Willa Paskin [58:14]: "Why of all our flings with fads, our trysts with trends, does this one seem so doofy in hindsight?"

Despite its decline, swing music and dance continue to thrive in dedicated communities worldwide, untainted by the commercialization that marred its 90s revival.

Conclusion: The Rise and Fall of a Swing Fad

The 1990s swing revival serves as a case study in how underground movements can be co-opted by mainstream media, leading to both explosive success and rapid decline. While the revival's mainstream embrace showcased swing’s enduring appeal, it also highlighted the challenges of maintaining authenticity amidst commercialization. Today, swing persists in niche circles, celebrated for its rich history and vibrant energy, free from the constraints of fleeting trends.

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution

• Scotty Morris [07:06]: "I definitely knew I was different, but in a way, I didn't mind it. I embraced it."
• Tom Maxwell [15:02]: "The Club Deluxe is a bar that had never changed since the 40s. Completely art deco on the inside. Absolutely magnificent."
• John Bunkley [31:59]: "Zoot Suit Riot was a top 40 hit... the surrealist music video became one of MTV's most played of 1998."
• Michael Moss [55:35]: "The scene was dead, was dead. You couldn't get a show. You said swing. It became a dirty word."
• Scotty Morris [35:44]: "Everybody took it like it was a party. It's a party. Let's put a zoot suit on and go out there and have fun and dance. And it wasn't about that."
• Willa Paskin [58:14]: "Why of all our flings with fads, our trysts with trends, does this one seem so doofy in hindsight?"

Key Takeaways

• The 1990s swing revival was a vibrant, albeit short-lived, movement that saw swing music and dancing gain mainstream popularity.
• Royal Crown Revue, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Squirrel Nut Zippers, and Cherry Poppin' Daddies were central to this resurgence, each bringing their unique twist to traditional swing.
• Media interventions, particularly the Gap commercial and the film "Swingers," played significant roles in propelling swing into the spotlight.
• Commercial overexposure, cultural disconnect, and a diluted talent pool contributed to the swift decline of the swing revival.
• Today, swing continues to thrive in dedicated communities, appreciated for its rich history and dynamic energy, separate from its brief mainstream flirtation.

Transcript excerpts and timestamps have been selectively included to highlight key discussions and insights presented throughout the episode.