I have no real insight into this, but my theory is
that they were signed to Hollywood Records as young
guys and were polished up, maybe a little against
their will.  They probably wanted to be grungy punks
all along.  

so...either
1. they started rough, were told how to dress, how to
write, how to record, etc. and ended up with a power
pop record no sane rebellious kid would buy

or 

2. they were so messed over by the previous record
deal and the attending disappointments that they are
now rougher than ever.

Either way...doesn't seem like the same band, does it?

anna
--- Will Harris <NonStopPop@cox.net> wrote:
> Has anyone else had the opportunity to hear this
> album yet?  Man, I am sooooooooooooo
> disappointed...and this is coming from someone who
> thought their debut was one of the best albums of
> 2000.
> 
> To my ears, the only songs from this new disc that
> hold up to that debut are "The Love Explosion,"
> "Conqueror Worm," and "You Can't Always Want What
> You Get."  It's like someone took them into the
> studio and said, "Okay, guys, let's face facts:  you
> sold, what, 15 copies of your debut...?  Let's cut
> the polished pop shit, huh?  Dirty it up!  With a
> little effort, you guys could be the next Jet!"
> 
> Maybe the kids will like it...but I'm downright
> bummed.
> 
> Latah,
> 
> WiLL
> 
> WILL HARRIS
> Contributing Writer
> PopMatters / Amplifier Magazine / PortFolio Weekly
> 1403 Earle Ave.
> Chesapeake, VA  23324
> Ph. (757) 624-1390
> E-mail NonStopPop@cox.net
> 

Anna Borg 
AIM: cakeab 
TallBoy Records 
P.O. Box 27757 
Los Angeles, CA 90027-0757 

http://www.tallboyrecords.com