The Fleshtones

The Fleshtones debut EP (assuming one doesn't count the early Blast Off! sessions, which wouldn't be released for another two years) is a five-song calling card that captures what makes them so much fun without sticking around long enough to make the point especially well. The production by Paul Wexler lacks a certain presence, and while two up-tempo sax-fueled numbers, "Cold, Cold Shoes" and "Theme From 'The Vindicators'," would sound great on any '60s obsessive's next mix tape, "The Girl From Baltimore" and "Feel The Heat" sound frantic but thin, with plenty of energy but little immediate personality. And while they certainly give the Rolling Stones' "Play With Fire" a distinctive sound, I'm not so sure it was meant to have a neo-Bo Diddley beat. Up Front is an OK record from a band that deserves better, and sadly this wasn't the last time something like this happened in the Fleshtones' recording career. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide