Kitty and the Kowalskis
Chinese Democracy
Amp Records 2006
By Lucky (SugarBuzz Hollywood)
SugarBuzz Magazine
CD Artwork by John Holmstrom
It’s finally out! Chinese Democracy has hit the streets and rockers are relishing in its delights. No, I am not talking about a new CD from Guns and Roses, but the latest magic from New York’s Kitty and the Kowalskis.
Talk about a perfect release for the approaching season, the fun, fresh and fabulous cuts on this puppy are going to make an ultra hot soundtrack for your’06 summer sojourns.
Kicking things off, “Depression Overdrive” is a hopped up bastard child of Ramones and Go-Go’s influences. Soaring high chorus lifts the spirits.
And speaking of The Ramones, A somewhat chilling ode to Dee Dee Ramone comes in the form of “Oh Dee Dee”. Written from the perspective of someone on the inside, references of 53rd and 3rd and the Chelsea Hotel qualify.
Oh Lord I have been saved! “Ain’t No Saint” is a rip roaring take on the old traditional. Saving souls, one sinner at a time.
Now if Gram Parsons had opted to hang with Lennon and McCartney, instead of Jagger and Richards, the out-put would have sounded similar to “Matter of Time”. This southern influenced work really sticks to your ribs.
The title of “Mr. Wrong” pretty much gives you the story portrayed in this little ditty. “Waking up with a new friend” hits home, always fun.
“I Love You Baby But I Hate Your Friends” jump starts of a really catchy hook and rolls forth. A good lesson in appreciation is delivered within. Listen up!
Loving the title big time, “Road to Barstow”, is a rocker that for some reasons brings similar images to mind that “Far Away Eyes” does. Guess it’s the California back water roads and religious overtones that bring this out. But hell, is Kitty even singing about California’s Barstow? Or is there another point on life’s map with the same moniker? You decide.
“I Met You There” kicks and rings true. Rivaling the best work of the Cocktail Slippers, this track features real strong vocals on the chorus, if fact the chorus is a grabber that will not let go.
Backed up by The Manges, Kitty pays homage to Joey Ramone in “Joey’s Song”. Mega references to Ramones song titles, and a deep respect for a man gone too soon. Love It!!
A new birthday tradition is in the brewing with “Birthday”. Kicking ass, this cut should be a staple in rock clubs world wide. But you better be good birthday boy! Lipstick and glitter are tell tale signs!
Ending up the frolic is a truly awesome rendition of the The Undertones classic, “Get Over You”. Satisfaction guaranteed or you have no soul.
So get ready and get this CD.
http://www.myspace.com/thekowalskis http://www.amprecords.com Back to The Shug
Bottom Photo by Joey Kotfica