The Crimea

Lottery Winners On Acid -- the stateside debut EP from the Crimea -- collects five of the best tunes from the group's 2004 U.K.-only long-player Tragedy Rocks to create a superb little disc. Opening with "White Russian Galaxy," brainchild Davey MacManus steers the band through a melodic swirl of 1960s and '70s influences, as poppy acoustic verses give way to a thumping, electric refrain that's as alluring as it is distinct. Better still is the tough title track, where MacManus and his co-conspirator/drummer Owen Hopkin mesh Marc Bolan with vintage Kinks. Yet the EP's apex isn't reached until "Baby Boom," a tune that just might be the best song James never wrote. OK, the lyrics may be a little absurd -- with references to Fred Flintstone and Tarzan -- but you'll have trouble getting it out of your head just the same. If the closing shots are less spectacular, at least the Crimea have enough good sense to bolster their stardust-sprinkled glam rock with a reckless roar. ~ John D. Luerssen, All Music Guide