Can't buy me love3 Out Of 5 Stars
The second and best album from Texans Fastball was a clever mix of witty pop with shades of the Kinks and Elvis Costello. As exemplified by the hit, "The Way," they blended sunny melodies with somber themes (the suicide of a senior couple) to a terrific effect. I've always been a sucker for this kind of guitar based pop, and "All The Pain Money Can Buy" is no exception.
Guitarist/vocalist Miles Zuniga, bassist/vocalist Tony Scalzo share lead vocals throughout, helping sustain the variety of the album. (Plus there's the groovy "Which Way to The Top," featuring female singer Poe.) "Out Of My Head" has a cool organ to its credit (and was also a modest hit), while "Good Old Days" has a riffing horn section. But the band was good at throwing curveballs, like the darker "Charlie The Methadone Man," glamorizing the pimped out dealer who is on a loser's course. I loved the dichotomy of the band's work at the time, and still have a soft spot for "All The Pain Money Can Buy." Nothing groundbreaking, but good stuff.
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