(3-String Guitar Rock) Presidents Of The USa - Pure Frosting

[JAStewart]

This CD is actually one of the best collections of rarities and b-sides out there. Most people see is as the way to get "Video Killed The Radio Star" without buying the less-than-stellar Wedding Singer soundtrack. But it's much more than just one song. I think what makes this release more alluring (though not necessarily better) than their first two CDs is its diversity of songs. For example, "Tremolo Blooz" is very different from anything else the band's ever done and "Love Delicatessen" is one of their longest recorded songs (at 4+ minutes). Still it's very hard to compare Pure Frosting with their debut or II; but nonetheless this is a great album. Here's a rundown of the 13 tracks:

As I said, the opener "Love Delicatessen" is one of the band's longest. It's a loud, but melodic song about a waitress and life at a delicatessen. We all know "Video Killed The Radio Star"; so in turn there's not much to be said about it. And although it's reason enough to buy this CD, it's still not the only good song. "Mobile Home" is mostly reminiscent of something off II, yet it may be one of the weaker points on the album. In a step up, "Japan" is certainly one of the best songs here. The band quotes 'we're an American band / and everything is rockin out of control when we hit Japan'. It's hard to compare "Japan" to any other Presidents song, but it's most memorable and easy to sing along to. If there's a hidden gem on Pure Frosting, it's "Sunshine". It's a very quiet song, but lacks nothing. Its lyrics are familiar, but the sound is something of its own. The live version of "Back Porch" is also good; as it's fun to hear the band attempt the verse about one-string/two-string/no-string guitars; although the succession may not be what you were hoping for. It's good, but nowhere near as awesome as the original.

"Man (Opposable Thumb)" is also an enjoyable track that takes us back to the days of the debut. I think it's safe to say "Man" could easily become favorite. The line 'you're gonna have to try to kill me / if you wanna be a man' is particularly good. I don't really like "Tiki Lounge God" that much; as I found it too alike with "Naked And Famous". It's catchy though. "Teenage Girl" is another favorite of mine. And again, it could've come from II. The 'he's 13 / she's 13' is a simple chorus, yet it works wonders for the song. "Slip Away" is another weak point on Pure Frosting, yet it's quite original. Next, it took me a while to come to like "Tremolo Blooz". It's very country-like, which is something Presidents fans won't be used to. It was featured on the Nothing To Lose soundtrack; and I have come to really enjoy it. Along with "Video Killed The Radio Star", "Cleveland Rocks" is another song people should know. And that's with good reason. Finally, the live version of "Lump" rounds out the CD with near perfection. Not just because of "Lump", but for the 'hot Carl!' chants at the very end of the track (you'll have to listen to understand).

Overall, Pure Frosting is a very good release. Yet it is very obvious it's not as good as their first two. This is not another themed cars or cats release from the Presidents; and many people won't appreciate it in its entirety. But for big Presidents fans (who see the whole picture) this is an excellent release. This is a great assortment of rarities, b-sides, and soundtrack songs that work together in making an awesome album. If you like the Presidents Of The United States Of America's self-titled debut and (especially) II, Pure Frosting will easily be playing in your CD player for years to come.

5/5

[sadisticmonkey]

i honestly think pure frosting is an album that didnt get any notice whatsoever...

an amazing CD by a very underrated band!

4/5

[JAStewart]

Exactly!