HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

The Muffs: Kim Shattuck (vocals, guitar); Ronnie Barnett (vocals, bass); Roy McDonald (vocals, drums). Additional personnel: Kristen Shattuck (background vocals); Tracy, Scoobi. Recorded at Western and United, Hollywood, California. All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology. Happy Birthday to Me is the third album for the Muffs, a punk-influenced trio led by lead singer and guitarist Kim Shattuck. Rounding out the band on this self-produced effort are bassist Ronnie Barnett and drummer Roy McDonald. Shattuck sounds like a young Joan Jett especially on the driving "Crush Me" and "All Blue Baby." The band churns out an impressive wall of crunchy, melodic, glam-tinged rock without sacrificing lyrics, which are both clever and catchy. Highlights are the rumble of "Honeymoon," the jaunty "Pennywhore," and the playful "Outer Space." Happy Birthday to Me is a supercharged collection of bite-sized tracks (half the songs are less than two minutes long), which leave the listener wanting more. ~ Tom Demalon

• Genre: Pop
• RSD Date: DDD
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 03/03/2017