Pezband

Laughing in the Dark marked something close the peak of Pezband's career as a recording act -- they were never able to match its energetic mix of strong hooks, short, punchy songs, and lots of attitude to go with their virtuosity. The 2005 CD reissue from Japan not only offers the best sounding edition of this album that you're ever likely to hear -- recalling that Passport Records' vinyl pressings were nothing to write home about -- but augments it with six bonus live tracks off of their live EP Thirty Seconds over Schaumburg. The opening Jeff Beck/Yardbirds homage, of "Blue Wind," "Stroll On," and "I'm Not Talking," slots in perfectly with the contents of the studio originals and is practically worth the price of admission by itself (as though the LP's side one trilogy of "Love Goes Underground," "I'm Leavin'," and "Stop! Wait a Minute" isn't....) [A 2005 CD reissue of the album was released with bonus tracks.] ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide