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20 Explosive Dynamic Super Smash Hit Explosions, Various Artists
Prada Records, released: 1991
The perfect antidote to the post-modern contemporary 70's rock and roll nostalgia trip. The compilation not only updates 70's soft-rock and pop tunes, put looks at the "K-Tel Method" of sqeezing as many chopped down versions of minor and major chart hits on two sides of an LP.

The covers of "Hooked On A Feeling", "Crocodile Rock", "Little Willy", "Shannon", "Love Grows (Where Rosemary Goes)", and "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" stay very close to the light pop feel of their 70's originals. Comfortable ground, to be sure, as they don't come across as very edgy, just safe. This album features numerous less known bands, but features a cover by then local Chicago band "Smashing Pumpkins" who provide the well done cover of "Jackie Blue". Most of the covers on this compilation are faithul to the original, but some bands take their own unique approach.

For instance, the band Cheer-Accident update the Isaac Hayes classic with unique vocals and deliberately off-beat and drawn out intros and outros. Each listening is just as hilarious as the first time. For a short while you can fool even the biggest Isaac Hayes fan into thinking their listening to the real McCoy. The metal band No Empathy offers their take on "The Night Chicago Died". They are able to relay anger and sense of urgency through each verse of this song. You feel the struggle contained in the lyrics. God's Acre is able to offer a harder version of the classic "Mississippi Queen". Mojo Nixon and the 'Second Edition' was able to update Kenny Rogers and the First Ediiton's "Just Dropped In" for hilarious results. The ska band Trenchmouth puts a different spin on the disco hit "That's the Way (I Like It)". The same goes for the Young Fresh Fellow's version of "Black Betty". M.O.T.O's version of "Dancing in the Moonlight" is an interesting take on this tune as they change up the tempo and add a surprise "live" ending. The New Duncan Imperials take a sarcastic look at CW McCall's Convoy, working into it a beautiful falsetto chorus. The Poster Children seemingly do the impossible; they take Donna Summer's classic disco hit "I Feel Love" and they DON'T torture it or offer up a camp cover. They cut very close to the spirit of Summmer's original tune without the use of keyboards. The tune that shines on this album is the surf cover of Focus' "Hocus Pocus" performed by Spies Who Surf. Much like that of Hot Butter's Popcorn, it never fails to provide a smile.

A fun compilation like this deserves its place on most every CD cabinet. The 20 tracks offer the most bang-for-the-buck and at the very least are interesting and great covers of some decent (if not poorly remembered) songs. If not just to break the ice at parties, "20 Explosive Dynamic Super Smash Hit Explosions" can always take you back to yesteryear (if you are indeed from that yesteryear) or remind you of cross country car rides in the station wagon where FM radio was King, and pop music was as safe as a pair of JC Penney Tuffskins. You'd better watch out though... you might find yourself singin these catchy new versions at work and . . . .
[John Barker 09/28/98]
 
Pravda Records, www.pravdamusic.com
3823 N. Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613