TonyDoug's CD Reviews: Living Things, The Jessica Fletchers

by tonydoug wright

Living Things, Ahead of the Lions (Jive Records, 2005)

THE BAND:Lillian Berlin, Even Berlin, Bosh Berlin and Corey Becker

THE HISTORY: Ahead of the Lions is the Living Things' major label debut that was produced by Steve Albini. In 2003 the band released two EPs titled Turn in Your Friends and Neighbors and The Blackout Generation. Over the past few years Living Things has opened for bands such as The Vines and Velvet Revolver.

THE REVIEW:My advance copy of Living Things' Ahead of the Lions CD contains a few pre-release quotes from various music publications and they all show major love to the band and this album. One of the quotes comes from Brian Raferty of Spin who states that Ahead of the Lions is "One of the most ferocious straight-ahead rock albums since Nevermind." Over the past fourteen years critics and fans have been waiting for an artist to release another Nevermind, an album so impressive that it will rid the music industry of crappy bands ushering in a new era of rock. Ahead of the Lions by Living Things may not change the landscape of modern music but kudos to the lads for releasing a ferocious sonic assault of rock comparable to the Murder City Devils and The Hives.

"Bombs Below" is the opening track, and it comes roaring out of the speakers and kicks you in the head thanks to lead singer Lillian Berlin with his gritty vocals and amped persona. As Ahead of the Lions continues on its amplified path of destruction the listener is immersed into the Living Things waters of anti-establishment lyrics and a dirty 'n' distorted glam rock sound that will make you groove in sinful ways. Living Things have a sense of danger about their music especially on "Bom Bom Bom" and "God Made Hate", which reflects a time when bands were unabashedly giving hell to suburbanite yuppies and The Man. But Living Things takes the time to slow down the pace to serve up a mellow rocker titled "Keep It 'Til You Fold", which is a contender for the best track on Ahead of the Lions.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Ahead of the Lions is certainly a breath of fresh air in the stale world of modern rock.

WEBSITE: www.livingthingsmusic.com

The Jessica Fletchers, Less Sophistication (Rainbow Quartz, 2005)

THE BAND:Thomas Innstø, Mats Innstø, Jan Henning Sørensen, Andreas Mastrup and Rune Somdal.

THE HISTORY: The Jessica Fletchers have been making music in their homeland of Norway since 1997. Over the past eight years The Jessica Fletchers have toured Europe opening shows for the likes of The Hives and Apples in Stereo. They have released seven EPs and LPs.

THE REVIEW: Jessica Fletcher was a mystery writer and a murder-solving sleuth played by Angela Lansbury on the '80s hit TV show Murder, She Wrote. Of all of the cool '80s TV characters why did these Scandinavian rockers chose Jessica Fletcher? Come on folks, this was an old bike-riding broad who lived in Maine and did nothing more than solve silly crimes while on vacation. Was she part of The A-Team? No. Did Gary Coleman ever say "What 'cho talkin' 'bout, Jessica Fletcher?" No. Did Flo ever tell her "Kiss my grits?" I think not.

It's time to stop complaining about the name of the band and focus upon the music of The Jessica Fletchers. Their newest album Less Sophistication is a '60s-influenced psychedelic pop album that should get the thumbs-up from your E6 indie rock buddies thanks to the jangling guitars, happy organs and funky bass. The Jessica Fletchers set their rock phazers to "groovy" and the end result is Less Sophistication, an enjoyable booty-shakin' experience. "Summer Holiday & Me" and "I Need Love" are two upbeat and sugary sweet tracks with plenty of harmonies and good vibes.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Less Sophistication is a retro effort that will win over '60s pop fans.

WEBSITE: www.thejessicafletchers.com