America's Sweetheart

America’s Sweetheart is a punky-garage sounding all-girl group from New York. Though their feet are planted firmly in the garage, their words and melodies often push the limits of their chosen genre. The first song, "Fake It*" (I'm guessing at the song titles), is poppy and peppy with great vocals. The next song, “Claire” is even better, with good lyrics and a jazzy tempo shift. It is only kept from greatness by an unfortunate “cool” and “school” couplet, which is repeated several times. (The whole “cool” rhyme scheme, so done to death that it doesn’t even work as irony, is way overdue for retirement).
The ghost of “Exile In Guyville” haunts the next three songs, “Time*”, “Your Mouth Has A Mind Of Its Own*” and “All Alone And Cool”, but these ladies are not just pale imitators. Their songs are melodically sharp and lyrically playful. Although they are not virtuosos, they work well within their limitations. (“All Alone And Cool” repeats the “cool” mistake mentioned earlier, but is otherwise a wonderful song).
The final number, “Going South”, is their masterpiece. It staggers like a drunk teenager after a party with lyrics that are truly all over the place. Fantastic stuff.
Love the music, love the lyrics (well, most of ‘em). I think this group has enormous potential.
P.S.
I've just heard that Ms. Courtney Love is calling her next release, "America's Sweetheart". This does not bode well for the name or the idea of "America's Sweetheart". Might be time for a name change, girls.
* Norman was reviewing an early demo and did not have the proper song titles.
"Fake it" is "Shake"
"Time" is "Lazy Lady"
"Your mouth has a mind of it's own" is "Open your mouth"
"Going South" is "Goin' South"

- Norman Famous