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FREAKED OUT AND SMALL
The Presidents of the United States of America
(MusicBlitz Records)
Nice scam, guys. You come out of nowhere with a silly hit called Lump, then you "break up," causing a storm of protest from fans, which thus increases the hype for your big "reunion" barely two years later.
Way to go - but I wasn't fooled.
PUSA's new record doesn't miss a beat. As with previous work, it's got the energy of punk and the polish of pop without succumbing to the pitfalls of either style. Best are the wry lyrics that are obviously the product of an irritated mind, coming to the mainstream edge of left field just enough to assure listeners that they're not totally out of their minds.
There's a little of the Lump-like absurdity here. Jupiter sings the praises of everyone's favourite gas giant, while the parody ballad Death Star reveals Star Wars geek roots. One of my faves is the rock song Jazz Guy: "I wanna be a jazz guy/play black music for white people ... solo till everyone in the room is bored beyond belief."
Yet there's deeper stuff here, wrapped in what turns out to be a simple and pretty decent rock record. Can't wait till their next breakup/reunion.
Track Listing
1.Tiny Explosions
02.Nuthin But Luv
03.Tiger Bomb
04.Last Girl On Earth
05.Jazz Guy
06.Meanwhile Back In The City
07.Jupiter
08.Superstar
09.Death Star
10.Blank Baby
11.I'm Mad
12.Headin Out