Punk-pop band The Dollyrots sophomore album Because I'm Awesome is precisely what pop-punk should be; fun, honest, in your face, and accessible. Poppy without compromising punk. Their sound is a mix of bouncy melodies and harmonies, with all the ass kicking power and attitude of punk music. The Dead Kennedys love child with Gwen Stefani, nannied by The Go-Go's, playing tag with The B-52's. The Dollyrots come complete with fun to sing lyrics, driving guitars, a tough but pretty chick singer, and perfect radio friendly songs.
What more do you need?
Title track “Because I'm Awesome” is a sarcastic anthem of the tongue-in-cheek, Bowling For< Soup variety. According to frontwoman Kelly Ogden, “Because I'm Awesome” is a great big fuck-you to all those people who think they are oh so awesome. The witty banter-esque lyrics include the practically cheered (as in cheerleader) chorus “I’m a leader, I’m a winner, and I’m cleaner/ Cause I’m awesome/ I don’t need you cause, I’m neato and I beat you/ Cause I’m awesome/ That’s right!” With catchy hooks, great melodies, and the impressive driving guitar work of lead guitarist and founding member Luis Cabezas, “Because I'm Awesome” should be a hit song (video included below).
Second track “My Best Friends Hot” is an unrequited love song. Who hasn't fallen for a hot friend only to see them love someone else and treat you as a buddy? This track's truly melancholy subject matter is disguised by Ogden's baby doll voice and the upbeat hooks. So well disguised is the angsty desolation that you'll happily sing in a cheerful voice “My best friend's hot/ No matter what I do/ You'll love me not/ Nanananana/ Should I tell you now/ or go, go...”
Other tracks that make this album worth it. “Out of LA” the third track, shows off Ogden's talent as a bassist. The self-same upbeat hooks, melodies and vocals are joined by a pounding her bass for some chaotic fun. A playfully punk-rock version of the early 70's folk-rock hit song “A Brand New Key” with updated sounds and a punk attitude. Undoubtedly all of the sexual innuendo surrounding the original song is lost on a much too sophisticated modern audience. But that doesn't make it a bad remake, in fact just the opposite is true. Although I'm sure there won't be many radio stations banning it in fear that the key in its lock symbolises sex or that “new key” is code for “nookie”.
Also make sure you don't miss “A Desperate S.O.S”. A rapidly progressing punk song, that is The Dollyrots own “We Didn't Start the Fire”, and ends in true punk style with a yelled epithet “Our president is full of shit/ Our president is full of shit!” All in Because I'm Awesome is a fun, driving, fast-paced punk-pop album and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes either alt pop, punk rock or punk pop.
If you would like to learn more about The Dollyrots, you can visit their website. To hear a few tracks from their album Because I'm Awesome you can visit their MySpace space.
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