The Young Barons - Hella California CD (Sharawaji)

Powerful 9 song set from this Bay Area Californian three-piece combo who have done a bold thing with their debut album - record 8 covers and only include one original song. However, this ends up being a great way for them to introduce their sound, as they really make the classics sound almost like songs they wrote themselves. The original melodies are still there, but the guitars are louder, the drums bolder and they are just grittier and modern sounding. The sole original, "Skyline", shows off their talent for writing and arranging - it's simply a great song! Don't be scared off if you already have other versions of these songs in your collection, you haven't heard them done like this!

Tracks: Malaguena - Sing Sing Sing - Moment Of Truth - Punta Baja - Skyline - Intoxica - Anna Vienna - Secret Agent Man - Squad Car