Nixon's Head
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The Big Takeover This mag has kept an eye on these Philadelphia garage popsters for a quarter-century, and with four of five originals involved, they may have ultimately perfected the form here. Enemies List—a pointed title reference to Richard Nixon’s infamous 1971 paranoia, if not his head—sounds like Arthur Lee of Love fronting the Babes in Arms-era, mid-‘60s MC5 (of the original 7” version of “Looking at You”), with whole swaths of Jefferson Airplane (especially when Dorothy Haug sings lead or harmonies), Buffalo Springfield, and on the poppier stuff, Beau Brummels, Standells, Byrds, Stones, and Who. There’s less of the pub rock/hard new wave influence than on early works, but the production is clear and modern, not dirty-retro, on the Nuggets-esque “Done Dealing” and “Yesterday’s Party” or the Paul Revere & the Raiders’ “Steppin’ Out” break-referencing “Penultimate.” Entertaining. - Jack Rabid Teenage Kicks Speaking of Philly, the city’s own Nixon’s Head has just unveiled the new album Enemies List. The whole thing’s a treat, combining Mitch Ryder-style Detroit muscle with Merseybeat melodicism... “Done Dealing” is the lead track to the album. A keeper. Philly Edge Nixon's Head have a new album out, "Enemies List." It's the kind of fuzzed out rawk that would be right at home on Little Steven's Underground Garage. Tracks such as "The Witness" swing with slightly British stomp and lite psychedelic feel while "Really Starting Something" reveals the band's appreciation of '70s power pop with a dose of '60s style swagger for good measure. The album's stand out cut is "Richmond," a wailing bluesy number that has several moments of refined yet passionate guitar wailing. Philadelphia Weekly
Free association: Like Elvis Costello, Kinks and Bangles wrapped in tie-dye.
For fans of: Tambourines, retro dance moves