Skipper
Cold Pizza and Pop 7” EP
Chocolate Covered
Rantouls
“Little Green Hat” b/w “Little Bit of This”
Chocolate Covered
Saucy Jacks
“Blown Like a Kiss” + 2 7” EP
Chocolate Covered
Chocolate Covered Records delivered the package of the summer, three discs of terrific pop fun. Skipper’s EP sits mid-way between the bubblegum innocence of the Fevers and the wised up cynicism of the Figgs. The former is no surprise given that singer/guitarist Brian Hermosillo is also in the Fevers (as well as the Sweet Faces whose Douche Master EP should be on your stereo right now). The latter is welcome too because it gives Skipper a voice. If you’re still with me here’s the short version: the songs on the a-side are about being bored and frustrated, lonely Friday nights watching movies and waiting for someone to call. The songs on the b-side are being bitter and resentful, the disappointment that sinks in when someone does call (“You’re So Charming”: “Is that all you’ve got?”; “Till She Comes Around”: “Let’s have a war/Because that’s what friends are for”). Still not sold? Fuzzy on the merits of Skipper? Here’s a more concise take: excellent power pop with candy-coated backing vocals coursing through every verse and chorus.
The Rantouls also feature a member of the Fevers, Gavin May. He’s moved from bass to guitar but his fondness for sixties-flavored bubblegum pop continues unabated. He’s got a perfect sense of melody, a great sense of humor, and a raspy voice that nicely contrasts the pop of his choosing without ever lapsing into a sneer. When I listen to the Rantouls I try to figure out which Nuggets-era obscurity they’re conjuring. Here are my best efforts with this latest single. I think “Little Green Hat” is supposed to evoke the Nightcrawlers “Little Green Egg” and I believe “Little Bit of This” nicks a bit of magic from the Music Explosion’s “Little Bit O’Soul.” I could be wrong but both cuts are as good as any on the band’s debut EP.
That brings us to the Saucy Jacks and their fine freshman release, “Blown Like a Kiss” backed with “Everywhere You Go.” Two fine doses of mid-tempo power pop with carefully layered harmonies. Under normal circumstances that’d be enough to offer a recommendation but I saw them live a few months ago and sense that this single is only the tip of the iceberg. (For the record I haven’t picked up on any Spinal Tap references beyond the band’s name.)
- Mike Faloon
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