keepers 4
keeper avg .286
The Elvis Brothers third album was roughly contemporary to Material Issue's debut, though Elvis Brothers had quite a head start. The sound is similar, though with a drier production and much more impressive musicianship. Though it came out in 1992, the album still has the 80's of polish of Squeeze, and all the energy of The Jam. "Valentine"**** and "Next Time I Fall In Love"***** both rock out with Beatlesque riffs and arena rock choruses. Most songs have some mix of Split Enz and early REM, particularly "Ruthy Ann" and "Peace Of Mind". "I've Got Skies For Her"**** is both driving and expansive, while the REM-like "Dreamland"**** is appropriately laid-back. A few parts are a bit too derivative, like the melody of "Strangelove" (John Lennon "Number 9 Dream") and "Get Me Off This Ride" ("Betty Davis Eyes"), but those could be coincidence. The album ends with the rude but funny "Motormouth". As a whole, I can't think of a better sampling of power-pop styles.
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