In my years of writing reviews, I have learned that a pretty package is rarely a sign of quality. Still, I always find myself going all “ohhhh” and “ahhh” when I see a record like this one with its beautiful cover art and glow-in-the-dark vinyl that actually glows in the dark (I checked). When I put it on the turntable, I clench my teeth and hope that the music will justify me keeping the record in my collection. I always start positive. I say things like, “Okay, this is some cool garage rock,” and, “that guitar part is kind of neat,” but nine times out of ten, I can’t fight the fact that the music coming out of my stereo does not glow nearly as bright as the vinyl. I can’t forgive J.J. for sounding more like a spirited lecturer than a rock’n’roll singer, even with the so-so sax solo on the flipside. One more for the giveaway pile. Bummer.
–mp (Kung Pao Chicken Pickin’, jjandtherealjerks.blogspot.com)