There's no one named Ringling and no sisters in this six-piece band from Los Angeles. There are a lot of hints of potential, with only moments of fulfillment. Produced by the legendary
Lou Adler,
60 Watt Reality includes a handful of rather pointless "skits" that detract from the overall pace. "Romance in a Bottle" is a bracing bit of jangly guitar pop that recalls early Bangles, and "Velvet Crush" is a captivating ode to Elvis delivered in a bluesy, acoustic package. The highlight, though, is "Way Out West." With help from guest drummer
Larry Mullen, Jr., of
U2, and a melancholy organ base provided by
Al Kooper, Debbie Schaffer delivers this girl-seeking-fortune-in-Hollywood tale in a voice that's both eerie and effective in its jaded, disaffected tone.