(Big Deal)
I know I shouldn't blame the band for the jewel case stickers that hype them to the prospective buyer. But somebody must answer for a disc that's trumpeting such fizz as "power pop at its finest" and "the purest of pop bands in the style of Big Star, Badfinger and The Byrds...it boggles the mind to try and imagine how Chopper might progress from this". Sure I was excited, wouldn't you be? Now on to reality: Great pop bands need to have the big three - vocals, songs and chops, and Chopper is one leg shy right now. What they lack is a dynamic singer.
That's not to say that I wouldn't be pogoing in place to crunchy pop like "You're Tearing Me up" or "Bloodspill", I would be doing my best Gabba Gabba Hey in a second. Musically, they usually feature that fat-bottom, crispy top power pop sound, but on songs like "Nice Girls (Don't Explode)" they prove they can flat out rock. Although the four piece is fronted by writers/guitarists/singers Steven Deal and Robert Dietrich, it's the rhythm section of Dean McNulty (bass) and Furgis Allen (drums) that propel those power chords with a solid, no-frills style.
Three of the thirteen songs are covers, and I'm glad to see any band include a chestnut like "Itchycoo Park" as a bonus track. hopper captures the essence of the song beautifully, and despite a screw up (it is a live cut), they pick it back up at the chorus and meet at the end. It's obvious that these guys consider 60's AM pop a strong influence; also on the "extra" list is a cover of George Harrison's "The Inner Light" in all its psych-pop glory, also live. Pretty impressive, even though Homey don't do Yogi. The originals are pretty solid as well; Steven Deal knows how to line the hooks up like a pro.
Overall I like Chopper, but if I were giving anyone the CD I'd rip that sticker full of hype off the jewel case and let the band be judged on their own merits. I like them a lot better ego-deflated, and so will you.
