Search - Magnatone :: Magnatone

Better late than never

Brewzerr | On the fault line, CA | 06/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well I know this review comes about 6 years after this severely underrated band's untimely breakup, but I'll sleep better knowing I put my 2 cents in on this overlooked treasure. I saw these guys play in Austin, TX back in '97 and we became fast friends. A few months later I went on the road with them up the I-35 corridor and I could write a book about how much fun we had on that short trip... but back to the album (that's why you're reading this, right?). This is hard-edged power pop perfection. Very few people these days even know what power pop is. The frequently made misjudgement is that it is the same as "pop punk". The fact of the matter is that the two genres are VERY different. Power pop is a genre that emerged in the early 70's with bands like the Raspberries, Big Star, and the Flamin' Groovies... bands who coupled the 60's pop stylings of the Beatles and the Byrds with 70's angst and distortion to give it a harder edge. The genre reached a zenith in the late 70's and early 80's with bands like (early) Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Paul Collins' Beat, The Knack, The Records, and The Plimsouls.



So enough with the history lesson. Like I said, this album is a perfect modern example of this genre. It doesn't come off as retro and it is definitely pop... but with balls. Every song on this short but sweet disc has all the best ingredients of power pop. Had this album been picked up by a more ambitious label I have no doubt in my mind that it would have spawned more than one number-one hits. Just listen to the amazing "Up in Flames" and tell me that wouldn't have been tearing up the radio! It's a damn shame these guys broke up way before their time. Oh well... the CD is still here so by all means buy it and hear what most of the world missed out on."

Roadtrip, Tempe, Arizona, and thoughts of home...

Brewzerr | 06/22/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Few bands in this world can make me so happy. I don't mean this in a bad way, but sometimes there's nothing better than bubblegum garage music. These are songs that make you think, but at the same time, make you happy because they make you sing along. "Up In Flames" is the ultimate breakup tune that actually cheers you up. When you are far away from home, and you know there's a great band back there, this CD will make you more than a little homesick. Jackie Rocket - Billygirl True Stories"