Friday 25 January 2008

Enuff Z Nuff - Tweaked (1995)


After the Hollywood hair days of their previous records, Chip and Donnie somehow invent this bubblegum rock classic, combining the swanky swagger of the Stones, the sugar pop of The Beatles and all manner of British influences, 'Tweaked' is pure genius, yet completely misunderstood, hence the bands tragic career of unfulfilled brilliance which should have been filling stadiums long after Bon Jovi had cast their cowboy boots aside.

'Tweaked' is a pure rock 'n' roll record, from the mystical openings of 'Stoned', Vie is in exceptional Lennon form, his fragile tones caressing the swirling guitars creating a bewildering mix of summery pop and jingle-jangle harmony akin to The Beach Boys and The Sweet, with the occasional riff of The Who thrown in for good measure amongst the sleaze of the Faces. It's memorable, retro and timeless and so genuine and from the heart, these are real songs, personal anthems and tear-jerking ballads, particularly 'Its Too Late', to the more metallic stomp of 'Style' and ballsy roll of 'Mr Jones', truly mesmeric material from a band who had enough gems to top every chart in every country.

Slot this alongside Saigon kick for lush wonder, and even Oasis for its ability to reinvent styles that have gone before but present to you songs like they are true old friends who've come back to remind you of how great everything used to be. 'My Dear Dream' is simply The Beatles 'A Day In The Life', but equally as rewarding whilst 'Life Is Strange' simpler and rockier. You never know what you're going to get next with Enuff Z Nuff, because since this masterpiece they've made a career out of writing amazing albums that much of the world won't hear, and that's a huge shame.


9.5/10

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