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Title: Killer Power Pop
Review: What the Fleshtones begat in 1982 with their party rock landmark "Roman Gods," and that the Smithereens cranked up with Who-like intensity in 1986 on "Especially For You," the Hoodoo Gurus made their own in 1984 on "Stoneage Romeos" with their bottomless supply of hooks and irony. For every throw-away goof like "Tojo," there's a brilliant "I Want You Back" that fakes us out with happy, i-love-you pop melodies supporting bitter i-hate-you lyrics. (See also: Devo's "Beautiful World" on "New Traditionalists".) Like the Fleshtones and the Smithereens, the Hoodoo Gurus have stayed with their basic formula ever since, exploring variations on the theme of power pop. This was the album that got them started and it remains their best, most consistent work. Essential for any collection of 80's rock. Five stars.
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