Dig These Discs :: Genius Lovers, Sons & Daughters, They Might Be Giants, Blondie

Let's jump into the time machine for the latest "Dig These Discs" review. Two of the four CDs presented here are from major league musical players who collectively have amassed over 60 years in the industry, landed high on the charts with countless hit songs and garnered mass appeal. The rookies presented here should learn from the best - Keep it fresh, stay passionate and remember, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." There will always be newer music on the scene... the key is making it last.

"Mirror Mirror" (Sons & Daughters)

Sons & Daughters obviously didn't go to their "happy place" for "Mirror Mirror." From the disparate slaves in chain's rhythm of "Silver Spell" or the punk sensibility of suicide in "The Model," the musical quartet explores the dark side of shattered dreams and lost souls. They have an overall tone of emotional turmoil and bitterness done here to the first degree. It's interesting and exciting to listen to... but taken in heavy doses - somewhat of a downer. If you can turn a negative into a positive, the music matched with the creative spark of lyrical content is reminiscent of Siouxsie and the Banshees, X or (seriously) even The Go-Go's in style. Possibly, there is nothing negative about this release yet what Sons & Daughters have created is a "walk on the tragic side" of life. The sounds are still pure, emotionally intense and sad with a "bad ass" attitude. (Available now)

"Strange Game" (Genius Lovers)

Genius Lovers are Dave DeRosa and lead singer, Katera. The mastermind in this debut collection of thirteen songs is De Rosa, who produced, arranged and composed all the selections. The musical style presented is described as "Electro-Pop," yet there is a touch of realism and remorse adding some important depth. Thirteen songs is a huge order and the duo could have easily trimmed the fat and cut this offering down. As is the "trendy" aspect of too much music right now... it's club land and life is reduced to one big party... all the time. There are tracks on this, which should lead to another spin on the wheel for Genius Lovers. "Find Our Way" is a fine ballad with an honest vocal and lyrical approach, while "You Know Why You're Here" is simply done but strikes with a sharp emotional punch. These two songs are simply NOT Electro-Pop. That's an aspect of Genius Lovers that is sheer genius. (Available now)

"Join Us" (They Might Be Giants)

There is a delicious quirkiness and humor to the music of They Might Be Giants. After recent success creating children's music, the band is back in the adult arena of sounds and quite simply knocks it out of the park with "Join Us." The CD is packed to the brim with 18 new songs. The music is a rollercoaster ride of creative alternative/pop and a funhouse excursion of musical ingenuity. Lead vocalist, John Linnell and his cohort in lyrical observations, John Flansburgh, excel at making the mundane aspects of life exciting and putting a spin on the emotional instability of life. This spark is clearly evident on just one of the current favorites called "Can't Keep Johnny Down." Some may bristle at Linnell's seemingly one-note vocal range, but his delivery is exactly what made the band a triumph since their origin in 1986. Their foot-stomping, bopping beats exude an exultant form of musical happiness with a dash of bitter wit. (Available now)

"Panic of Girls" (Blondie)

Has Blondie lost their spark of tough punk after all these years? Definitely not! The band's new release, "Panic of Girls," has all the innate qualities of their best work while still managing to capture their distinctive and original vibe that is like no other band around. God bless Deborah Harry and her constant need to continue to write, emote and keep it relevant and pulsating with her power and distinctive energy to perform. Produced by Jeff Saltzman, known for his skill of production sounds with The Killers, the album brings back the power trio of Clem Burke, Chris Stein and Harry to full effect. It is truly hard to believe that the vibrancy of Blondie, when they came on the music scene initially in 1976, shines just as bright 35 years later. With a collection of eight previous albums under their belt, lucky number nine "Panic of Girls" is a golden nugget to strike in the career of this deserved Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame inductees known forever more as Blondie. (Import Available now)