One of the more noteworthy "jangly guitar" acts of the 1990s,
the Rembrandts were off to an enjoyable start with this debut album. Melodic and congenial but far from wimpy, such pop/rock as "If Not for Misery," "New King" and the small hit "Just The Way It Is, Baby" set the tone for the L.A. duo's career. A variety of influences from previous decades can be detected -- everyone from
the Beatles to
the Byrds and
Crosby, Stills & Nash to
the Everly Brothers. And yet, this CD never sounds dated, and has a definite freshness to it. With so many rap, metal and industrial acts expressing deep pessimism in 1990, the optimistic, socio-political idealism of "Everyday People" (not to be confused with the
Sly & the Family Stone classic) was a refreshing change. ~ Alex Henderson