MUSIC SCENE

Derdang Derdang - Domino Records Archie Bronson Outfit

Derdang Derdang

The original punk rock movement was all about kicking the chair out from under the bloated arena rock bands of the mid seventies and bringing music back to a more primitive level where it started. It was exciting and a breath of much needed fresh air. Derdang Derdang is cut from the same cloth as the originators of that movement. It has 11 short, well written pop songs executed with angular guitars, thumping bass, military-style drumming and a vocals that vacillates between urgent and desperate. When guitarist, vocalist, Sam Windett sings the opening track "Cherry Lips" he sings ""It's so fun to love someone/ But try, try to get, get over it." This line is the theme of Derdang Derdang. The songs are all executed with precision but there is no guitar wizardry or one single member whose skills stand above the others, it is more about passion. Archie Bronson Outfit plays with the same gusto that Jerry Lee Lewis had on his Sun Records recordings. If you were a fan of the original punk rock movement but lost interest as it veered off in another direction Derdang Derdang may rekindle that flame.

Writer's Block - Almost Gold Records Peter Bjorn and John

Writer's Block

Writer's Block has its peaks and valleys but the Swedish pop group's peaks are very high indeed. The track "Young Folks" may be the one of my favorite songs of the year and the accompanying video is sure to be a classic as well. It starts with a bass, drums and some catchy whistling that will make those who are able, pucker up and whistle along. "Objects of My Affection" is sung with a John Lennon vocal style but that is where the similarities to the Beatles end, it's still a respectable pop song none the less. "Let's Call It Off" sounds a bit like an update to the eighties cult hit "Da Da Da" by the German group Trio. Most of

Writer's Block is a low key affair recorded with a dreamy landscape feel and tracks like "Let's Call It Off" and "The Chills" are good examples of their work. Maybe

Writer's Block should have been an EP and left off the filler which make up about a third of the album. The track "Young Folks," however, may very well make this record by PB&J (I couldn't resist) worth picking up. Bob Jones is founder of Silver Platter CDs EST1998 in Fort Myers. For info or to suggest music, email recordreviews@comcast.net