BIGGER, BETTER, (LP) [Vinyl]

4 Non Blondes: Linda Perry (vocals, guitar); Roger Rocha (guitar); Christa Hillhouse (bass, background vocals); Dawn Richardson (drums). Additional personnel: Louis Metoyer, Shaunna Hall (guitar); Suzie Katayama (cello); Judy Rudin (harmonica); Laurent Tardy (piano); David Rickets (keyboards); Rory Kaplan (Mellotron). Recorded at Groove Masters, Santa Monica, California and The Plant, Sausalito, California. San Francisco's 4 Non Blondes burst onto the national scene with their massive, neo-hippie anthem "What's Up" from their debut Bigger, Better, Faster, More? Although they failed to recreate the single's success, the album, as a whole, is a fairly engaging mix of alternative rock, quasi-funk, and blues. The focal point is on lead singer Linda Perry who also plays guitar and was the primary writer of the material. Perry has a powerful set of pipes akin to Johnette Napolitano, but, unfortunately, she tends to cut loose when a little more restraint would benefit the proceedings. However, "Superfly" is a feel good, funky number and "Spaceman"'s yearning lyrics are delivered over a quiet, martial drum rhythm. A solid debut that got lost in the wake of its mammoth hit. ~ Tom Demalon

• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Pop