Lollipop Magazine

The Heartdrops – East Side Drive – Review

September 1, 1999

These hellions-in-sheep’s-clothing smile the wicked smile of bad boys with the silver tongues that’ve kept ’em outta jail thus far.

The Smooths – No Brakes – Review

January 1, 1999

The Smooths have heavy (but not hardcore crunchy) guitar, loads of horns, subtle keyboards, and plenty of singable choruses.

The B-52’s – Time Capsule – Review

November 1, 1998

For those who only know “Rock Lobster,” “Private Idaho,” and “Love Shack,” perhaps Time Capsule can fill in the blanks.

Bela – Exit Music – Review

November 1, 1998

Bela combine the moody rock elements of Gene Loves Jezebel with clear, British-sounding vocals, and paces that sway more than rock.

(You’re Only As Good As) The Last Great Thing You Did – Review

March 1, 1998

A sampling of every record (including 7″s and EPs) Lookout! released in 1997. Gives you a pretty good understanding of where Lookout! is coming from these days.

The Other – Review

December 1, 1997

Part jellybean, part prog rock, part punkpop anthem, The Other deserves their name.

Bracket – Novelty Forever – Review

December 1, 1997

Catchy, quirky, guitar-driven powerpop with moody, thoughtful lyrics and melodies to make your eyebrows arch.

Elsewhere – Outbound – Review

November 1, 1997

A mix of prog rock and Boston-baked powerpop, Elsewhere wear influences such as Rush, the Police, and ’80s British synthpop on their sleeves with pride.

Heckle – The Complicated Futility of Ignorance – Review

November 1, 1997

Fast, hard, angry in that positive way the kids seem to like so much, and with painstakingly deciphered lyrics so we can all shout along.

Hi-Standard – Angry Fist – Review

October 1, 1997

Angry Fist is as non-stop punch-packing as its title suggests. As quick-tempoed, melodic, and well-produced as we’ve come to expect from Fat Wreck Chords.

Fates Warning – A Pleasant Shade of Gray – Review

September 1, 1997

A Pleasant Shade of Gray is a crystallized dream, an atmospheric wonder filled with the tricky time changes only Fates or Rush could tackle successfully.

My Fellow Americans – Review

September 1, 1997

The merry meleé ensues as the ex-Presidents are framed, chased, meet the general public, and are forced to overcome nearly 30 years of rivalry.

Pinhead Gunpowder – Goodbye Ellston – Review

July 1, 1997

Sounds like Green Day (It oughta – it’s Billie Joe’s “other band”). The good stuff. Produced by Kevin Army.

Courage Under Fire – Review

June 1, 1997

Courage Under Fire tells an exciting story in which every development complicates matters more until viewers are left not knowing what’s real anymore.

Crumbox – Resident Double U – Review

June 1, 1997

Crumbox is from L.A. Their album was recorded in San Diego, and their label has a Laguna Beach, CA address. Yet they sound like Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Knuckleheads – Ain’t That American – Review

June 1, 1997

Mixing ska-flavoring with a harder/faster punk style, the Knuckleheads are both loud and melodic.

Hankshaw – Nothing Personal – Review

June 1, 1997

A thoughtful, sensitive, female (sounding)-fronted rock band. Some of the harder, more rockin’ songs combine the chugging guitars of pop rock of Descendents.

Funeral Oration – Believer – Review

April 1, 1997

The sound is sparse, no-frills, and straightforward, the lyrics down-to-earth and to the point.

Eleven Thirty Four – Reality Filter – Review

April 1, 1997

Opening with the surprisingly melodic intro of “A Staining Impression,” Eleven Thirty-Four show themselves well-versed in hardcore and “catchy” songwriting.

Welt – Kicked in the Teeth Again – Review

April 1, 1997

Losing two members after last year’s raw and melodic Better Days, Welt returns with a darker, grittier punk pop sound. Still as catchy and singable as ever.

Heckle – We’re Not Laughing With You – Review

February 1, 1997

Heckle create minimalistic punk rock songs without all the unnecessary trimming.

Speed McQueen – Interview

February 1, 1997

An interview with guitarist Mark

Rose Chronicles – Happily Ever After – Review

February 1, 1997

Ethereal and enchanting, the Rose Chronicles’ Kristy Thirsk lays her smooth-as-silk vocals over the sleepwalking guitars of Richard Maranda.

Citizen Fish – Thirst – Review

December 1, 1996

With Ska, Reggae, and British Punk seamlessly sewn together with political lyrics, Citizen Fish just keeps getting better.

Chester Copperpot – Poems & Short Stories – Review

October 1, 1996

This power pop threesome are from Sweden and enjoy volleyball, dolphins, lazing around, and writing simple, catchy songs.