After Bobb Trimble’s work, this is the best 80s psych album. In fact, at
least for side one I’d go out on a limb and rank it the very best co-ed
San Francisco-style psych album. In the tradition of the best latter
day psych, it clearly is influenced by the golden age of West Coast
music, but sounds completely of its time as well. This is no simple
throwback or derivative work; it’s a wholly unique and distinctive album
that combines a very wide and unlikely set of influences in creative
and wonderful ways.... It’s a wonderful album. Highest among the many
pleasures is the absolutely stunning title track, which benefits from a
chill-inducing vocal from Kathy Bass. The long guitar solo on “Bye Bye”
is also a winner, in the best tradition of Quicksilver Messenger Service
or Tripsichord Music Box...
Somewhere
The Modernettes' Teen City EP is one of the Vancouver punk scene's best records. Each track is a clever punk classic inspired by the Ramones and the Velvet Underground. The album begins with The Modernettes' most famous song, "Barbara," leading into more lyrically complex songs. "Barbara" is a tale of teen desire that is reminiscent of the Ramones but not as overly simplified. Buck Cherry breaks into a strong solo in the middle of the song, showing his prowess on the guitar. The Modernettes were a very tight and gifted trio that was cable of writing various punk classics in various tones. "Celebrity Crackup" offers a warning about the downfalls of fame, something The Modernettes unfortunately never had to worry about. Throughout the different subject matter covered on the album, The Modernettes maintain a distinctive sound without repeating themselves. The song "Teen City" closes the album just as it began with another teenage fantasy. "Teen City" captures the feelings of the rock & roll-loving teens in Vancouver. Complaints about the constant rain and lack of good rock & roll clubs give rise to the demand for the "Teen City." The Teen City EP is a monument to Buck Cherry, Mary Jo-Kopechne, Jughead, and the honest rock & roll they created.
Modernettes
