Record Label: Rough Trade
Genre: Garage
Band Link: link
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1990s is a Glasgow band fronted by some dude named John McKeown who was once in another band whose members (without him) later went on to form Franz Ferdinand.

McKeown might’ve missed that boat for super-stardom, but he’s doing pretty well playing catchup. 1990s plays that right amount of garage/dance rock swagger, commercial rock, and feel-good hand-clapping fun with a snarky attitude.

They do it really well – in fact, I think one of their songs is currently featured in a car commercial. But lyrically, it’s just atrocious. I mean, Franz Ferdinand and their ilk are no better – this style of garage rock rarely have lyrics that rise above repetitively expressed declarations of hedonism, whether it be FF’s “Do You Want To” or anything on this album.

But the lyrics here truly border on the moronic, with “Enjoying Myself” being little more than that repeated refrain; they also point out the social benefits of doing drugs (“Weed”), as well as celebrate parties (“You Made Me Like It”), young girls (“Arcade Precinct”), and the sexual opportunities of being a rock star (“Cult Status”). All worthy topics, but delivered way too simply and irritatingly.

I wonder if they’re poking fun at themselves or such-minded bands, but the lyrics aren’t clever enough to be appreciated as sharp commentary. But I do hope they’re making fun of dickishness and not embracing it, because this brand of manically nihilistic garage rock wears thin. Once you get tired of clapping along, it’s hard to relate to the rockstar-wannabe scumbaggery.

Bottom Line:
Notable Tracks: See You At The Lights
Overall Rating: