posted 2010-06-29
"CIRCUSTOWN IS JUST A STATE OF MIND..."
If you've been enjoying Chesterfield Kings, Magic Christian, Tsar, or the corporate-pop supergroup, Tinted Windows, in recent years, the DEADBEAT POETS will absolutely blow you away. All the classic power-pop influences are audible-the Byrds, Beatles, Flamin' Groovies, Kinks, Love, but these Ohio power-pop masters are former members of the legendary veterans, Blue Ash, as well as the Stiv Bator "Disconnected" band, on Bomp! Records: an all-time favorite full-length, to so many of us glammy punk brats.
You can hear an old A.M. radio slickness, reminiscent of vintage Tom Petty, The Records, Cheap Trick, or the Raspberries, but many of us greying fops will also nod appreciatively to Deadbeat Poets also making sly, subtle references to seventies bubblegum groups like Cowsills, 1910 Fruitgum Co., and Lemon Pipers, as well as epic, theatrical gestures worthy of the old Alice Cooper Band. Remember that last over-hyped Alice Cooper record, with the one catchy cowboy ballad about a gun-toting tranny? This is a way better listen.
The production is Technicolor Panoramic Stereo-Sonic Majesty...I've been waiting for Redd Kross or Jellyfish to make another album this good, for years. Their faux rockabilly workout, "Sunglass City" is a blast...The C.D. seriously spills over with high quality hit songwriting. "I Thought I Knew You" reminds me of like, Sonny Bono. Early faves include, "Just Like In The Real World", and "So, This Is Indiana". I urge you to find this record if you're yearning for some perfect summer listening, reminiscent of all your old favorites...
Frank Secich, Terry Hartman, Pete Drivere, and John Koury have custom-built us a real rock'n'roll record, arguably more vital than anything I've heard in years, excluding, perhaps, a handful of top pop hits from those two recent New York Dolls records, this is exquisite listening. A bit like a Tom Waits concept album. Gorgeous and essential.
It'll make you feel youthful, and connect you back to hope and dreams, frisbees, girls, fireworks, roadside carnivals, and electric malt-shoppes from your sun-lit past.
OBTAIN THIS ONE RIGHT AWAY.
(-Anguish Young)
Veglam webzine since 1999 - Designed by Olivier