Ultracats--s/t
Contaminated 2003
As rock n' roll seems to be getting overintellectualized more than ever, it also seems increasingly difficult to find bands who really convey the sheer joy of simply playing music. If you feel that frustration, a listen to this Ultracats CDr might do your heart good. It isn't going to save the world (nor does it try to) but it will damn sure assure a fun time is had by the listener.
The Ultracats are comprised of two rocking ladies, former Porch Ghouls drummer Lori (also of the Villains), and Alicja of Lost Sounds and Mouserocket fame. On this disc, they deliver you seven different covers of classic songs. Like the best cover-heavy bands, the Ultracats come off more as "song interpreters" than mere "cover band." This isn't a boring color-by-numbers listen--these two definitely invest enough of themselves into the songs to keep things interesting. To boot, the performances are loose and tastefully sloppy, just like any self-respecting rocker would hope for.
Still, the Ultracats are really at their best when Lori and Alicja are delivering harmony vocals. The best examples of that here would be "When U Were Mine" and especially "As Tears Go By." That said, you really can't underestimate the righteousness of two women delivering totally ragged versions of punk rock classics such as the Misfits cut "Skulls," or "53rd & 3rd," originally by the Ramones. It's all supremely good.
As previously stated, the emphasis with the Ultracats and this disc definitely seems centered on fun. It certainly delivers on that platform, and then some. In fact, for fans of bands such as the Bobbyteens or Go-Go's, this disc could prove to be an essential score. It should be noted that the Ultracats also deliver quite the rocking party live, so check them out if you ever have the chance. Until that time, this disc should suffice, nicely.
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