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BUY THE CD
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Sometimes I just need to zone out to fast-paced music while I’m sprinting those hills in the morning. So, about a year ago, when I first heard the single “Pieces of Truth,” with its quick guitar and awesome sax, I just had to get it. In fact, I wound up buying the entire CD from a garage band that I’d never heard of. Since then, I constantly fast-forward my Shuffle to any of the songs from Stop Drop and Roll!!! by Foxboro Hot Tubs.
The CD cover gives it all away, with big-haired go-go dancers doing the jerk and the swim. The 12 cuts are reincarnated right from the mid-1960s British invasion, with a tiny bit of American bubblegum sprinkled in. Each of the songs range around two to three minutes, making use of simple, repeated riffs and catchy power chords.
The album gets going right from the start with “Stop Drop and Roll” (which, by the way, reminds me of the song, “Money”). “She’s a Saint Not a Celebrity” opens with chords from the classic “Summertime Blues” and transitions to something more Tommy James-ish. You’ll try to place the intros to all of the songs, as you swear you’ve heard them before. “Sally” opens up with chords from “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” and “Broadway” is pure Kinks. It’s all about fun, and Foxboro Hot Tubs manages to keep the ‘60s music style while adding some grit to the lyrics, avoiding the sugary, syrupy lines so reminiscent of the decade.
So maybe you’ll admit that the music is quick and fun, though not entirely original, and you just can’t get the guitar solos out of your head. But you also can’t get over the fact that even the lead singer sounds familiar. In fact, you swear that he’s trying to copy Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong. Well, you’re almost right. Actually, it is Billie Joe Armstrong, along with the rest of the Green Day band members, bassist Mike Dimt and drummer Tre Cool. Other Green Day regulars, guitarists Jason White and Kevin Preston and Jason Freese on keyboards, complete the lineup. However, if you’re expecting Green Day’s style of music, you’ll be disappointed. It’s the same guys but a different band with a different style.
Is this it for the Foxboro Hot Tubs? I imagine so. After all, how will these guys find the time? Green Day is releasing a new album this month while getting ready for an extensive tour. Anyway, with these 12 cuts, what more do you need? And maybe a more interesting question is: which alter ego will emerge next?
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