Search - Kevin K :: Kevin K

Unlike those overpriced major label best-of collections, New York, New York... doesn't exist purely to line the pockets of some soulless entertainment conglomerate. It exists because most of you have never heard Kevin K and just might want to check out an overview of his recent output. This disc cherry-picks from eight Kevin K albums released between 1996 and 2002, yielding a really solid collection in the process. While K (ex New Toys/Lone Cowboys/Road Vultures) is completely upfront about his influences, he's far more than just another junkypunk fanboy. He's a terrific songwriter and guitar slinger in his own right, and he adds an appealing, melody-driven vibe to the familiar back alley rock n' roll style. Singing in a voice that's eerily reminiscent of the great Trash Brats frontman Brian O'Blivion (except more melancholy-tinged), Mr. K strikes a satisfying balance between the seedy urban swagger of the Heartbreakers/Dead Boys/Electric Chairs and the sweet, poppy songcraft of the Beatles/Raspberries/Cheap Trick. Raunchy riffs and catchy choruses peacefully co-exist throughout this album---as do fiery, Cheetah Chrome-ish licks and hooky Buzzcock-ian leads. Interestingly enough, though, it's the newer, more overtly pop tracks that really stand out here. It's not that Mr. K can't rock. But when he plays to his strengths and goes for a trashy powerpop kinda sound, he's at his best (Remember last year's splendid Kiss of Death?). The party doesn't really kick into gear until track 12, "Heartbroken Again", a Dolls-esque retrorock ditty that makes perfect use of the saxophone. From there on in, the hits keep a comin'. "Lonely Girl" is a gorgeous sadsap ballad a la solo Thunders. "Story of My Life" is a super-poppy, glampunk gem on a par with the aforementioned Trash Brats. "Goodbye" is in the same vein and caps the festivities in style.--Josh Rutledge.