First One

The label design on the debut album from New York City's Baby Shakes pays subtle homage to the original Stiff Records label, and while Baby Shakes don't sound much like any of the acts who recorded for that fabled new wave imprint in its glory days, it's not hard to imagine the folks who ran Stiff would have loved this band — three good-looking gals who can write great pop tunes with a dash of punk rock energy and girl group harmonies to boot? Sign 'em up! Mary (lead vocals and guitar), Judy (guitar and vocals), and Claudia (bass and vocals) deliver nine original songs (as well as a cover of Shakane's glam-era chestnut "Love Machine") that sound as refreshing as a tall glass of lemonade on a hot day, and while they have spunk to spare, it's not hard to imagine that in a better world, these songs would find a welcome home on radio with their catchy melodies, boundless enthusiasm, and spot-on harmonies. Anyone with a soft spot for guitar-based pop can be forgiven for developing a bit of a crush on The First One — the songs are great, the performances are free-spirited fun, and if the production by Dave Rahn (who also plays drums on most tracks) could use a bit more body, he has the good sense to stay out of the group's way and gets their effervescent sound on tape in a clean, no-frills manner. The First One is perfect summertime rock & roll, fun and rambunctious, and while it only runs 26 minutes, the music's good enough that you can play the album two or three times in a row without it wearing out its welcome. Turn this up!