1996 – Page 53 – Lollipop Magazine

Jungle – Review

August 1, 1996

Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble, but “jungle,” arising primarily from black artists in the U.K., is the most significant musical innovation of the ’90s.

Joint Ventures in Ska – Review

August 1, 1996

A tribute to marijuana. A lot of big-names here: The Selecter, Bim Skala Bim, Bad Manners, Scofflaws, Buck O Nine, and Skinnerbox NYC, among others.

Youth Brigade – To Sell The Truth – Review

August 1, 1996

Youth Brigade are back and they have absolutely nothing new to say. Do they really expect to start a mass youth uprising by putting out another lousy album?

Torcher – Your Word Against Fire – Review

August 1, 1996

Kevin Friedman’s guitar makes all of these fascinating sounds, going head to head against Paula’s vocals, intense and focused.

The Specials – Today’s Specials – Review

August 1, 1996

Sure, this ain’t no The Specials or More Specials, but Today’s Specials is great for BBQs and parties. An all-covers album. Enjoy yourself.

The Posies – Amazing Disgrace – Review

August 1, 1996

The goose-pimple sing-alongs of albums past are still there, but now they’re supporting such sentiments as “big birds flying overhead/ who gives a shit?”

The Pietasters – Strapped Live – Review

August 1, 1996

Strapped Live features songs from the first two studio albums, and several new songs. The production is very good, with clear definition of instruments.

The Loud Family – Interbabe Concern – Review

August 1, 1996

After few spins later, you’re enmeshed in their brilliance, these sumptuous melodies and smart, forlornly romantic trills permanently imprinted on your soul.

The Hunger – Devil Thumbs A Ride – Review

August 1, 1996

Most of Devil Thumbs a Ride sounds like White Zombie backing James Hetfield as he sings lyrics written by a lobotomized Trent Reznor.

The Cardigans – Life – Review

August 1, 1996

An unfettered delight, as warm and comforting as the sweater from whence they got their name, and as sweet as Nina Persson’s snow-bunny smile on the cover.