A regional favorite in the Pittsburgh area, roots rockers
the Clarks have a thing or two in common with many of their peers, such as
the BoDeans and to some extent
Gin Blossoms -- they've never come across a harmony they didn't like, nor a nice tight guitar riff. The twang on usually unmemorable tracks like "Over Me" and "Help Me Out" appears much stronger in this fashion alongside so many formulaic pop songs. Their attempts at covers, though, are extremely brutal, as a stab at the
Prince song "Kiss" is dreadfully abysmal. The live audience helps out in the energy department, often singing along on songs such as "Penny on the Floor" and "Last Call." The musicianship is another plus, but too often these songs seem to blend into each other rather easily. Nonetheless, a generally good compilation. ~ Jason MacNeil