Max

Maximum Groove (Avex Trax)
by Michael McCarthy

Although Speed is said to be more popular, the J-Pop group I recommend you check out first is Max. Like Speed, they’re a group of cute young teens with irresistible, upbeat songs. I’m hopelessly addicted to their Maximum Groove disc, which sports such songs as “Active For The Love,” “Sunny Holiday,” “Love Desire,” and “Private Crime.” Sounds like the track listing for a new Samantha Fox disc, I know, but what’s a music collection without a few guilty pleasures (and if underproduced indie rock is starting to make you ill, Max is your sweet, over-produced medication)?