Prima Donna - "Bless This Mess" CD

Hollywood, California-based glam/power-pop act Prima Donna's debut comes with some impressive credentials. Production by Dave Sardy gives the songs room to breathe, and a clean, true sound that doesn't over-gloss the band's raw and rock-oriented nature. And touring support from friends Green Day can't hurt, either, as Prima Donna's punk roots show a marked similarity to Green Day's more sing-a-long elements.

"Sociopath" opens as a spunky and almost greasy pop-punk anthem in the great Ramones tradition. "Maxine" is more power-pop in vibe, as is "Feral Children". In truth, just about any of these tracks could be singles. "Broken" is another favorite, but I could go on and on. Suffice to say, "Bless This Mess" is packed with plenty of reckless rock songs with just enough melody and tuneful catchiness. Enjoyable. (Acetate Records)

Prima Donna site

Glenn Tilbrook and the Fluffers - "Live In New York City" DVD

Not being familiar with veteran London act Squeeze, I didn't know what to expect here. But this live recording from vocalist and guitarist Tilbrook and band immediately convinced me. The opener, "Annie Get Your Gun", evidences Tilbrook's considerable guitar skills and soulful stage presence.

Filmed in front of a small and appreciative audience, and shot professionally with multiple cameras, "Live In New York City" amply exhibits Tilbrook and company's power-pop mastery. There are 16 tracks here, 9 of which are classic Squeeze songs. Tilbrook's enigmatic and likable stage presence makes every song here a celebratory and pleasingly loud (and highly melodic) experience.

For any fan of Squeeze, or even anyone into world-class power pop with hooks and charisma, this one is a winner. (MVD Visual)



Glenn Tilbrook site

Squeeze official site

The Loons - "Red Dissolving Rays Of Light" CD

From San Diego comes this band of amped-up garage rockers who also dip their strings into mod retro power-pop territory. Loons have been around for 15 years now, and this, their 3rd album, recallls as much the Stooges and MC5 as Arthur Lee's Love or the Kinks. It's a terminally-cool and hip rock and roll sound, back to basics with melodic vocals, chiming Roger Guinn-style guitars (especially on tracks like "The Losers Win"), and freaky organ work. There are similarities with kindred spirits like the Brian Jonestown Massacre, as both acts liberally borrow the look and sound from before their time and illustrate the timelessness of the 60s rock era. But that's obscuring the fact that the Loons write some catchy singalong tunes. "Summer's End" has lively backing vocals and an upbeat vibe. "Diamonds, Garbage & Gold" is another anthemic standout. Surely a high point of the band's live shows.

I like that Loons aren't afraid to be "pop". But in their case, the "pop" is neither manufactured or artificial. Loons concoct a natural, organic, and human form of music that favorably crosses strong songwriting with an air of regal garage rock recklessness (and attitude). Loons' warm and classic sounds should find favor with a wide cross-section of listeners, and "Red Dissolving Rays Of Light" is full of balmy Summer sunshine to these jaded ears. (Bomp! Records)

Loonspace