Frosted (Jane Weidlin of Go-Go's) - Cold 1996 Flac

Unfortunately lost somewhere along the way amidst sporadic Go-Go's reunions (though Charlotte Caffey does help write a slew of the songs) and less-worthy commercial alternative big-hitters, Frosted's debut and sole album was a near-perfect pop-punk treat. Jane Weidlin assembled a great crew to back her up, which they do with enthusiasm, while she herself does some of her best non-Go-Go's work to date: sharp, bratty, and smart all at once. Vocally, she favors the high end throughout -- almost squeaky if one's being uncharitable -- but she controls and uses it so well that such would be a bad judgment. Her lyrics wryly and wisely touch on everything from female role playing to emotionally useless males. She's also canny enough to vary the musical mix from the start; opener "Dis-Integrated" kicks right along in perfect shout-along style, but has a lovely break right in the middle -- just sweet, wordless vocals and a soft bed of ambience.

Co-producer Marc Waterman, who also engineered, really helps bring out the full impact of the quartet; everything is bright, chunky, and radio-friendly without being gooey mainstream glop. The other three members do a fine job throughout, providing some great shout-along backing vocals as well as punching out the songs. Drummer Lance Porter is especially noteworthy, with a good ear for a crisp, danceable rhythm (check out his tight work on "Never," as well as the handclaps, soaring chorus, and great guitar solo). The lyrics are a scream as well: "You can't turn dogsh*t into art/I would never write a song -- about you." More than once some of the music suggests what might have happened for the Cranberries if they had avoided MOR swill and pumped up the feedback some more -- a good example being the way Weidlin stretches out the title of "Call Me Crazy."

 Very good pop rock album by Jane Wiedlin and the band.
Enjoy
         Frank  Flac