Golden Age of Glitter [LP]

Sweet Apple once again go bravely marching back into the '70s on their second album, 2014's The Golden Age of Glitter, and though glam rock doesn't figure especially strongly into the album's formula despite the title, "Another Desert Skyline" will doubtless bring a smile to anyone who recalls the era of bell-bottomed trousers and platform shoes. Sweet Apple, however, are eager to embrace all aspects of the era of big guitars and bad behavior, and it's reflected in the tunes: "Wish You Could Stay" is evocative power pop in the manner of Big Star or Badfinger, "Boys in Her Fanclub" is a dead ringer for vintage Cheap Trick, "Let's Take the Same Plane" is an acoustic number that allows the guys to get their wistful on, "Under the Liquor Sign" is a swaggering male bonding number with great harmonies, "We Are Ruins" brings just a touch of art into the mix, and "Reunion" has enough crunchy guitars, big drums, and shout-outs to the ladies to fill any arena in your general vicinity. John Petkovic sings this stuff with just the right combination of boast and authority, while he and Tim Parnin also make for a killer guitar combination. J Mascis plays appropriately busy drums on this project, though he does join the guitar army for three tracks, and Dave Sweetapple's bass is rock-solid and keeps it all on track. And while Mark Lanegan and Robert Pollard also swing by with guest vocals on a few tunes, the truth is this band doesn't need the additional star power: this stuff rocks hard in its chosen style, and while most bands looking this deep into another era for inspiration have irony on the brain, Sweet Apple are witty but clearly sincere in their love of the '70s. Pick any track off The Golden Age of Glitter, drop it into the middle of the Dazed and Confused soundtrack, and not only would it fit, you'd probably turn it up. That's a serious compliment for this particular band. ~ Mark Deming