Since he was a member of , singer/hairdresser/bon vivant has made a name for himself as an out-and-proud, teen-from-Mars crooner. The first batch of singles he released honed this to perfection, resulting in a treasure trove of great rock & roll love songs. On the first full-length record, , the focus is on as much as it is on his oversized persona. The four women in the band contribute songs, vocals, and tough-as-nails musical backing that splits the difference between '50s soda shop pop and smeared mascara '60s girl group sounds, and adds a big splash of ramshackle punk. Chief among is (of ); her powerful voice and skilled songwriting make her the leader of the pack. Everyone contributes, though, and 's wheezy Farfisa is a vital part of the sound and 's lead guitar playing is economical and biting. The group vocals that provide the response to 's bleeding-heart vocals are wonderful throughout, happily sassy and full of soul. , too, is surprisingly full of soulful longing this time. There's far less strut and wiggle on -- spends more time lamenting lost love than he does celebrating. It sounds like he's been hurt and while it may seem like he's too frivolous and fun to convey pain, that's really not the case. Songs like and may sound like silly pop confections on the surface, but, though he's not a belter by any means, 's vocals have a surprising emotional power. It helps that is there to back him up, but even if she weren't this would be more than a novelty record. Thanks to the hooky and familiar songs, the exciting performances, and the perfectly executed aesthetic, is simply and truly a great rock & roll record. ~ Tim Sendra