Album Mini-review: Beach Slang — A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings
File next to: Replacements, Paul Westerberg
One one level, there’s nothing wrong with wearing one’s influences proudly; just be sure not to lose your individuality in the process. The very existence of Beach Slang – purveyors of high-octane punk-flavored rock with no end of memorable hooks – does force the question: does the world really need two Replacements? More than a few times on A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings, the trio steps over the line into overt stylistic appropriation: there’s little about “Spin the Dial” that suggests it’s anything other than an attempt to copy every musical quality that made the ‘Mats so beloved. And “Punks in a Disco Bar” would have fit in nicely on Paul Westerberg’s 13 Songs. It’s hard to take issue with their musical quality, but Beach Slang should assert some of its own personality – assuming such a thing exists – into the proceedings.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.