The Commercials

• Compare and Decide [Eat, 1980] B+

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Compare and Decide [Eat, 1980]
In the tradition of Jon Tiven, another bad rock critic turned good bandleader, Loyd Grossman doesn't let details like not being able to carry a tune get in the way of his small-minded, hooky little songs. So why should we? Only an ex-crit would put out an album with titles that damn near write the reviews: "Ramona" and "She Said She Said" and an Abba cover for influences, "I'm So Heavy Metal" and "El Disco Es Cultura" for satiric breadth. Best song: "X-Girlfriend" (serves him right). Message (from "Bongo Party"): "Don't bring a bottle/Don't bring a friend/Don't bring your favorite tape." B+