Published in 'Kristianstadsbladet' (Swedish) sometime during the early months of 1999

New Radicals

Maybe you've been brainwashed too

[MCA]

Gregg Alexander is a man with a purpose. As a songwriter, vocalist, producer, and - of course - as the front figure of New Radicals, he has a lot to say about the state of the world. He thinks that in today's society it is almost considered a crime to be an idealist and a dreamer, while it seems perfectly ok to be calculating and cynical.

For a long time, I thought that New Radicals were British. Their debut single 'You get what you give' has clear references to both Waterboys/World party and Stones. And on pictures, Alexander can be mistaken for any partying Manchester-guy..

In real life, he grew up in Grosse Point, outside Detroit. He has released two not-so-successful albums prior to 'Maybe you've been..', both categorized as 'blue-eyed soul'.

But now, though, the pieces are finally fallin into place. Rock, with a hint of soul, and a positive spirit, is what the New Radicals is all about. Alexander's voice is bright, repeatedly on the verge of going into falsetto, which brings to mind both Price and Karl Wallinger.

The group is convincing in song after song, message and happiness become one. And that to an amazing beat with loads of schwung.

And so..not much to complain about.

~ Christer Paulstrup ~

(written on the 13th of March 1999)

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