The Mooney Suzuki

Have Mercy (V2)

By Noreen Sobczyk
Published: February 21st, 2007 | 9:57am

Ten years after the Mooney Suzuki's formation comes an album written by Sammy James Jr. on acoustic guitar that lured the original line-up back to the fold like a rocknroll siren song. Unlike the quasi garage bombast of earlier days, this ‘60s infused power-pop record surprises and delights.

"This Broke Heart of Mine" has to be amongst the most upbeat sounding songs ever written about loss of love. "Adam and Eve" has all the beats one could want, but a Hammond organ would have sent the groove into glorious overdrive. "Rock N' Roller Girl" and "Good Ol' Alcohol" have plenty of humor; the latter like some musical poetry slam chock full of funny drug and paraphernalia references. "First Comes Love" manages to revive the story song in a non-cheesy fashion. James tells it like it is when he sings: "First comes love / Then comes complication, expectation, negotiation, miscommunication, sexual frustration / And on and on." Preach on my brother!

This release lacks some of the edge and grit one might expect from the Mooney Suzuki, but replaces them with softer stylings showing that despite prior critiques this band is more than a one trick pony. The sentimental bittersweet ballad "The Prime of Life" proves this range and comes complete with a piano part and some good harmonies. The album is enough to keep old fans happy, gain new ones, and hopefully open up fresh possibilities for the band's creative process in the future.