CHRISTGAU CONSUMER GUIDE
BANANARAMA: “Deep Dea Skiving” (London):: In some pop convolution the affectlessness with which these London lasses appropriate various attractive girl-group epiphenomena may simply signify that they’re not an “authentic” girl group.
CHRISTGNU CONSUMER GUIDE
BANANARAMA: “Deep Dea Skiving” (London):: In some pop convolution the affectlessness with which these London lasses appropriate various attractive girlgroup epiphenomena may simply signify that they’re not an “authentic” girl group. And right, the Dixie Cups (even the Marvelletes) (maybe even the Crystals) had no discernible identity either. But they could sing. B-
THE BLASTERS: “Non Fiction” (Slash):: “Train whistle cries/lost on its own track” could be half a haiku for Hank Williams should these American traditionalists ever turn Japanese, and if “Leaving” is worthy of George Jones, “Bus Station” and “It Must Be Love” pick up where Tom T. Hall left off. None of which is code for countrybilly—this is r&b Jerry Lee could be proud of. It’s just that Dave Alvin writes with an objective colloquial intensity that fits the straight-ahead dedication of his crossracial and-generational band the way James Taylor’s ingrown whimsy suited the laidbacks he hung with. In other words, Dave might qualify as the last great singersongwriter if only he was a singer. And brother Phil is. A-