Pop Precision
by Mike Breen
Pop Precision
by Mike Breen
Roger Klug made something of a name for himself with the ridiculously likable popsters the Willies. That group's highly memorable tunes served as a perfect learning experience for his songwriting, as evidenced on Klug's new solo album, Mama, Mama Ich bin in dem La La Land.
Klug, in theory, is kind of like a more adventurous Matthew Sweet, writing songs that grab your attention with their Rock History references to British Invasion, the Stones and melting Garage Rock. But Klug paraphrases rather than directly quotes. You don't find yourself playing "spot the reference" while you listen --- Lenny Kravitz has cornered that market.
At 17 songs, Mama might just be a little too lengthy to absorb. But take it slow -- try listening to half, then come back to it -- and Klug's near genius Pop becomes evident. Mama reveals him as a contender for one of Cincinnati's best songwriters.
City Beat, February 1, 1996