This Beautiful Life

Released in 1999, This Beautiful Life arrived as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's definitive follow-up to their multi-platinum self-titled breakout. While their previous work established them as leaders of the swing revival, this album expanded their sonic palette by incorporating more pronounced jump blues and roots-rock influences. Recorded for Interscope, the production is polished and massive, capturing the 'fat' sound of the horn section - specifically the interplay between baritone and tenor saxophones. The album features a mix of original compositions by Scotty Morris and stylized covers, such as a swing-inflected version of 'I Wanna Be Like You' and a humorous take on 'Ol' MacDonald'. Critically, it was seen as a solid continuation of the genre's revival, though some critics noted its adherence to traditional structures. It remains a cornerstone of the 1990s retro-swing movement.