Tracks off this rockin' follow-up to their critical smash JENNIE BOMB include "Who Do You Dance For" and "Hot Night Crash."
After years of wanting to forget the hideous clothes, music, and politics of the 1980s, the kitsch and cool of that era are once again embraced through music, so hooray for the second coming of candied synth beats and chunky guitar riffs à la the Killers, the Hives, and Franz Ferdinand. Sweden's Sahara Hotnights get in on the game with their second album, Kiss & Tell. Produced by Fireside songwriter/Hives engineer Pelle Gunnerfeldt, Kiss & Tell is much more approachable and playful compared to the band's 2002 debut, Jennie Bomb. The slick punk edges of "Fire Alarm" and "On Top of Your World" are replaced with glossy pop touches and a polish that would make the Go-Go's, Cheap Trick, and Big Star blush with pride for what they created two decades before. Vocalist Maria Andersson finally shines as a singer; she's vocally focused in her delivery while the harmonies coming from the Asplund sisters are equally fine-tuned, making Kiss & Tell fun right from the start. From the brassy cheers of "Hot Night Crash" and "Who Do You Dance For?" to the foxy Runaways-like impression of "Walk on the Wire," the energy of Kiss & Tell seduces you to twist your hips like never before. The kaleidoscopic twang of "Nerves" combines '70s Detroit rock with doo wop threads for a fantastic corroboree. Sahara Hotnights simply intended to make an album that's dance-crafty; however, those who adored the punk aesthetic and its unapologetic stance on Jennie Bomb might balk at their attempt. Kiss & Tell comes off a bit contrived and lackluster in the beginning, but after a few spins you'll grasp (and thirst) for its sonic goodness. For a sophomore record, Sahara Hotnights did what made sense for them without concerning themselves with the politics of it all. It's a solid album, stylistically more friendly but not necessarily mind-blowing. They're making progress and so far, so good. ~ MacKenzie Wilson
Japanese pressing of the Swedish all-female rock act's third album includes two bonus tracks, 'Model A' & 'The Dogs Don't Want You'. RCA. 2004.
The Japanese import includes two bonus tracks.Rolling Stone (p.120) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[F]rontwoman Maria Andersson's imperious Nordic accent makes her wild-child desires sound like delicious orders." Spin (p.110) - "[With] tight, upbeat pop-punk songs reminiscent of early Elastica and late Donnas." - Grade: B- CMJ (p.47) - "KISS & TELL is larger and poppier than previous recordings, but this doesn't stop the Hotnights from realizing their pushy and brazen desire to break your heart and rock your world." Mojo (Publisher) (p.99) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[S]uperbly polished and instrumentally powerful..."
THEIR BEST ALBUM YET! SUPERB collection of 11 catchy as Hell, harmony-filled rock n roll tunes from the Swedish band. Easily their best album yet. Submitted by keith77772002 (Glasgow, Scotland) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
great fun good rockin' tunes from the Sahara gals in the vein of Donnas, Tuuli, etc. Submitted by metalforever (Sanford, ME USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Best Rock album of 2004! I have been a fan of the Sahara Hotnights since 2003 with their CD "Jennie Bomb". But this one is amazing. Listening to "Kiss and Tell" always puts me in a good mood. Maria Andersson has to be one of the best female lead singers in the world. All of the girls are great!!!!! Submitted by Jacquelynn (Weston, VT) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
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