Editorial Reviews

Eric Davidson of the New Bomb Turks compiled this collection of 16 high-attitude rock & roll bands whose quality level far outstrips their (current) public recognition, and while some of this sounds like the Turks (especially the Columbian Neckties, who've learned well from the masters), the only clear connection between most of these cuts is the notion that enthusiasm and adrenaline go a long way toward creating great music. Between the Stones-style strut of the Rock 'n' Roll Soldiers, the speedy '70s-style hard rock of Dixie Witch, the garage-pop sneer of the Cuts, the full-on punk assault of the Baseball Furies, the stripped-back funky swagger of the Chargers Street Gang, the blues-wailing freakout of Scat Rag Boosters, the Misfits-ish bellowing of the Diverters, and the bummed-out mid-'60s moan of the Hunches and the Goddamned Gentlemen, Davidson has found a passel of worthwhile bands that actually have distinctive sounds and personalities, and while some tracks hit the target cleaner than others, pretty much everyone on board sounds like a band you wouldn't mind hearing more from, either in a quality dive or on your stereo system. Davidson puts together a truly fine mixtape and seems to be a pretty sharp talent scout as well; Greaseball Melodrama offers 42 minutes of quality rock & roll entertainment and proves that even in this benighted age there are still great undiscovered bands out there. So hows about a Vol. 2? Mark Deming, All Music Guide

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