Magnapop, RUBBING DOESN'T HELP (Priority Records)

Magnapop are up to their old tricks again, and they've delivered another CD chock full of their patented big time popnoise. Rubbing Doesn't Help, which is way better than 1994s Hot Boxing, gives you thirteen edgy pop tunes filled with driving bass, crunchy, raspy guitars and jittery lyrics. Luminous lead vocals float off the surface of it all like a sea bird riding out a storm.

"Open the Door" is a choice nugget kicking off with a spare bass line and high-hats, and the wistful lyrics, "Everything is good these days, but all my friends are dying... ." Another nifty cut, "Juicy Fruit," sounds icy and remote, with a lone but busy bass line and simple drum beat alternating with crispy guitar and the lyrics, "Sometimes I'm so stuck and I'm never helpless/ And I can hear you cuz you are like me/ We are the insects." A theft of Beck's "How You Like Me Now?" intros the next track. You'll like 'em jest fine.