Hey Mercedes

The Weekend EP (Vagrant)
by Tim Den

Outtakes that are actually better than some of the full-length’s tracks! “Save a Life,” with its hollering chorus and tasty arpeggios, sure beats the lame ass “Quit” (off Everynight Fire Works). The speedy “Everybody’s Working for the Weak” – nasty, brilliant key change and syncopation during the bridge and all – is light years better than “Haven’t Been This Happy.”

Why were these songs b-sides and Japan-only imports again? The Weekend E.P. shouldn’t be passed up not only cuz everything Hey Mercedes pens turns to gold, but also cuz these songs simply sizzle. There’s even a secret cover of that ’80s song that goes “I promise you… I promise you!” [“The Promise” by When In Rome. Hey, how do you think I got this job? – ed.]
(2118 Wilshire Blvd. #361 Santa Monica, CA 90403)