SHOW REVIEW: THE PRISSTEENS/THE UPPER CRUST
The Middle East, December 1, 1997-Cambridge, MA(Moon Ska Records)
By: [email protected]
NYC's Prissteens revive an element in rocknroll that is lacking in the music of many of today's popular female artists: FUN. That not to say their is anything wrong with exposing one's vulnerability or excising one's demons, but when I put on a record it usually is not because I need something to bring me down since my dentist postponed that exploratory root canal.The Prissteens, a foursome (3 grrrls and 1 guy), are like a post-punk Ronnettes that brings back the spirit of non-hippie 60s rocknroll. Yours toes just can't help but to start tap dancing when they break out numbers like "I Don't Cry" and "Run Wild." The Prissteens bring back those classic backing vocals on tunes like "Teenage Kicks" and "Run Back To You." Some of the more topical tunes like "Beat You Up." Fawn over the beauty of meathead boyfriends while "Going Out Tea Baggin" discuss ugh, tea bags, kids.
In concert the Prisstines deliver the fun with double sledgehammer attack complete with ultra-catchy choruses so addictive that by the end of the song you find yourself singing along even thought you still have no clue what the words are.
The Upper Crust dressed like 17th century French Aristocrats were celebrating release of their new CD, which I have no idea what it is called. The Upper Crust put on a fun show that musically is basically vintage 60s garage rock. The Crust may have the wardrobe and accents of snobby aristocrats but they rock out which sent the packed room of peasants home with smiles.
Both acts are more than worth the wild to check out the next time they hit your local community recreational center.
