The Clarks

A regional favorite in the Pittsburgh area, roots rockers the Clarks have a thing or two in common with many of their peers, such as the BoDeans and to some extent Gin Blossoms -- they've never come across a harmony they didn't like, nor a nice tight guitar riff. The twang on usually unmemorable tracks like "Over Me" and "Help Me Out" appears much stronger in this fashion alongside so many formulaic pop songs. The bulk of this album was recorded in 1998, but three songs from a July 2001 concert at their stomping ground offers a clue as to the band's straight and narrow approach to good pop/rock. Attempts at covers, though, are extremely brutal, as a stab at the Prince song "Kiss" is dreadfully abysmal. The live audience helps out in the energy department, often singing along on songs such as "Penny on the Floor" and "Last Call." The musicianship is another plus, but too often these songs seem to blend into each other rather easily. Nonetheless, a generally good compilation. ~ Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide