An intens young man

New Radicals

Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too

[MCA/Universal]

Beging Gregg Alexander - the relatively young man (28) behind the band New Radicals - must be tuff. After two albums under his own name, which led nowhere, and co-operation with Danielle 'Just missed the train' Brisebois, he now presents himself as an above average intelligent American rock artist, a spokesman for rootless youth, who's trying to find the meaning with everything.

To hear him pour out all his discomfort on an entire album is true hell, and after a while you're looking forward ton when his gonna shut up. But unfortunately, young Gregg Alexander is not entirely wihtout a musical talent. The twelve songs on this album are nearly bursting with musical ingenuity, playfullness, musical archaeology, and happiness. This music can best be described as 'powerpop, with references to Todd Rundgren, Brian Wilson, Marshall Crenshaw, Paul Westerberg, Jeff Lynne and other pop joiners.

Supposedly, a lot of people have heard the hit single 'You get what you give', which is an excellent example of what mixing and producing in a studio can imply when it somes ot quality. By all means, it doens't work well -even with that help- on the entire album.

Here's lot of crap, but also a lot of fun. 'Maybe you've been brainwashed too' is a weird record, but still, a record it is difficult to stay indifferent to.

Erik Valebrokk

Translated by: Sissel Helene Heiberg

Home Lyrics Discography Reviews Charts Articles & Interviews Gallery Links Tabs Biography