Shonen Knife
(Good Charamel)
Like the band's initial models, the Ramones and Buzzcocks, Shonen Knife hasn't exactly benefited from added experience. Now in its 28th year, the all-female Osaka trio can never eclipse its early recordings, whose tentative performances poignantly expressed singer-guitarist Naoko Yamano's naive vision and earnest determination.
Yamano is the only survivor of the Knife's founding lineup, and Super Group showcases both her improved playing -- don't expect too much -- and a new rhythm section that's far sturdier than the original. But the expanded chops just encourage ill-advised dabbling in such styles as country-rock and a cover of Paul McCartney and Wings' "Jet," a song that fits the group about as well as, say, Yes' "Roundabout."
Having proved to patriarchal, hierarchal Japan that girls can rock, Shonen Knife has lost some its purpose. But the band hasn't misplaced its spirit, celebrating music ("Super Group"), food ("Barbecue Party") and weird animals ("Evil Birds") with infectious simplicity. It wouldn't be so bad if Yamano and her pals made music like this for another 28 years.
Standout Tracks: "Super Group," "Evil Birds" MARK JENKINS
