Before we rate the albums for you, let's be honest: The Rock*A*Teens are a live band. Some of their albums are great, but if you want to get the look and feel of this band, you've got to see them in concert. For instance, as an Atlanta resident, I was familiar with The Rock*A*Teens long before I ever saw them live. And the first couple of time I saw them, I thought they were pretty interesting and neat, but nothing fully registered with me.

Then, I saw this one show. They played through the material, which was loud, and reverby, and people were sweating on me, and I was kind of tired. But then they played this one song with so much energy and fury and angst….and suddenly, the light went on over my head, and I got The Rock*A*Teens. I fell totally in love with their music, and their concerts, and I haven't looked back since.

I tell you this story because, in general, most people I know who are fans of The Rock*A*Teens have had epiphanies like that. Therefore, I exhort you again: go see them in concert. Now let's talk about the albums.

This first release gained The Rock*A*Teens much praise as a rockabilly band. Critics loved the echo-y, bassless sound and the "let's make a record" ethic. Unfortunately, those strengths are also this album's limitations. This album is very spirited, and it sounds like everyone had a blast recording it. However, there is a lack of precision in the songwriting, and the musical arrangements aren't nearly as haunting as later efforts. Of their albums, this one is either for completists, or people who prefer a lighter, more rockabilly sound.