Album Review: The Mommyheads — New Kings of Pop
The cover art for The Mommyheads’ New Kings of Pop immediately calls to mind Kraftwerk and DEVO. But in keeping with the title, what this New York City band has on its collective mind is far more tuneful and conventional. Which isn’t to suggest that the music lacks adventurousness. Intelligent, thoughtful lyrics are supported by superb, uncluttered music that will leave its indelible mark on your memory long after you’ve listened. Why exactly The Mommyheads haven’t broken through to become globally popular remains one of life’s little mysteries. All I can say is that I cont myself fortunate to have discovered them.
If you’re looking for musical touchstones, The Mommyheads remind me just a little bit of XTC, though their sound is distinctly American in character. The group deftly weds ambitious musical structures to pop style. Even when they employ syncopated, off-kilter beats, the music is so solidly rooted in melody that you might not even notice. “Take Me as I am” sounds a bit like the lighter moments of early Wings crossed with the slightly dark character of Temple of Low Men era Crowded House. But then the title track delivers a piano-based tune that may well make listeners think of Jellyfish. Great stuff.
Learn more about The Mommyheads by reading my 2018 interview/feature.
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.