Rotten Apples

Real-Tuff (Durable Plastic) (Empty)
by Craig Regala

Another good rock and roll record from a band who’d slot nicely opening for the Foo Fighters or The Donnas. Strong vocals, full-bodied tunes constructed of hard pop rock, a bit of Ramones drilling, a handful of the first couple Joan Jett and the Blackhearts LPs, and a touch of the clipped Mod side of power pop. If you’re prone towards female singers (or just good rock and roll singers), this’ll work you into a lather. The Dishes in Chicago, Manda and The Marbles in Columbus, The Donnas, lots of choices (and role models, if you need’m) in non-penised singers players/writers out there. Classic new wave cover: “Noticeable One” (you don’t know it? Do the names Bozzio and Cuccurullo light that clove cigarette?). Best song: “My House.” Great melody, nice off-kiltered bridge (shades of Staten Islands’ Dirty Looks [the 1980 band, not the hair farmers]) and a pointed lesson in “How did you end up in my house?” relationships. Other best song: “Heart Candy.” Cool from stem to stern.
(PO Box 12034 Seattle, WA 98102)