Band: The Babies
Release: 02/2011
Label: Shrimper

1. “Run Me Over” – A-
2. “Sunset” – A
3. “All Things Come to Pass” – A-
4. “Meet Me In The City” – A+
5. “Personality” – A-
6. “Breakin the Law” – A-
7. “Sick Kid” – A-
8. “Wild 1” – B+
9. “Wild 2” – A
10. “Caroline” – A-

Comments: The Babies, featuring Cassie Ramone (guitar/vocals Vivian Girls), are like The Beets if The Beets were clearer and were more prone to trying new things. Don’t get me wrong, much props to The Beets for their great music, but this (after all) is the product of musicians who have been making fairly respectable/good music in their own bands for a long while. “Run Me Over” features the coy vocals of Ramone, which sound slightly out of place in an unadulterated garage rock song, but at the same time seem very fitting. Her singing comes out the best on something like “All Things Come to Pass,” which is comfortably in Vivian Girls territory. Kevin Morby of Woods sings when Ramone doesn’t (and sometimes they even harmonize!). He can get his folk on (“Sunset”) or do his best Black Francis at will (“Meet Me In The City”, “Wild 2”). Speaking of “Meet,” it’s truly the best on the record. It’s so catchy! “Wild 2” is sweet through-and-through, like a slowed down “Mr. Grieves” or an old-time Weezer tune or something. Overall, I am very impressed by this band and by this record. It’s quick and very fun. So yeah, good job Babies.

Grade: A- (91)