Lollipop Magazine

Armstrong – Dick, the Lion-Hearted – Review

July 13, 2003

Harnessing punk anger and funneling it through a power pop structure, Armstrong have discovered a formula sought after yet not reached by Sponge and Everclear.

Koufax – Social Life – Review

May 30, 2003

Bombastic moments break up the day, but it’s generally innocuous stuff. “Brightside” is the highlight, with its natural progression and pleasing add-ons.

Dead Meadow – Got It Live if You Want It – Review

February 14, 2003

The indulgent repetition owes to ’70s blues metal and prog. Ironic genres are presented as higher art, but are in reality embraced by couch-surfing stoners.

The Forty-Fives – Fight Dirty – Review

January 31, 2003

This group of sideburns with legs make late-model garage that falls somewhere between The Mysterians and The Flamin’ Groovies.

Mustard Plug – Yellow #5 – Review

January 17, 2003

Gone are the hooks and weird elements thrown in for spice. We’re left with the mustard water that sogs up the bread as your thumb squishes in.

Kings of Nuthin’ – Fight Songs – Review

January 3, 2003

Reports of the death of swing have been greatly exaggerated. Boston’s own Kings Of Nuthin’ come on like gang busters, Mafia suits and all.

Roger Miret and The Disasters – Review

January 3, 2003

When Agnostic Front-man Roger Miret throws a party, you can believe some talented folks are going to show.

The Code – Alert Aware Involved – Review

October 28, 2002

Venomous ska-punk infused with metal and a little low-cal SoCal. That’s harmony minus sugar. Fierce shit that lazy folk will compare to Op Ivy and Rancid.

The Ritchie Whites – Snitches Get Stitches – Review

September 20, 2002

With Snitches Get Stitches, The Ritchie Whites get stuck in second gear and completely neglect to rock. It’s not that they’re awful, just wholly unremarkable.

Templars – Reconquista 1994-1998 – Review

September 9, 2002

Templars employ an irresistible lo-fi innocence to bring a grin to your lips even when the buzzing guitars are completely mix-matched.