Total 13 Right from the opening charge of sludge guitars and big-ass drums, its clear that the Backyard Babies arent there to mess around -- and they dont. The foursome sounds like theyre blowing up the studio as much as recording in it, and while its clear that Dregens Hellacopters participation means that the two groups have a related sound, the Babies sound a little more glampunk and a little less MC5Stones. Theres at least one Ramones shirt on display in the band photos, but theres easy echoes of the Damned and classic singshout-along acts like Die Toten Hosen, among many others. Only just, though, even if the Babies general look is pretty damn enjoyably trashy in comparison to the other bands cowboy hats and belt buckles (Nicke Borgs back cover pose and purple Naugahyde jacket is plain brilliant). Like many of the Scandinavian garage rock monsters of the 90s, theres no real message per se in the songs -- instead, theres something far better pure entertainment. With a voice both rough and surprisingly fluid and strong, Borg raves and leers about everything from the boy without a record deal to saying that among the gods I feel power and joy. Who could blame him Together Borg and Dregen play their guitars to the point of sheer abuse, while the Peder CarlssonJohan Blomquist rhythm section could probably take on the original New York Dolls backup ten times over. Stone cold highlights are everywhere -- the joyous abandon of Look at You, the romantic (or at least sexual) angst anthem Ghetto You, and the mighty Bombed (Out of My Mind). The basic Backyard Babies recipe is great enough, but when the foursome try fooling around with other approaches, its even better. Highlights is huge doom metal with riffs and pace to match, and Borgs twang is laden with enough echo for even Dave Wyndorf. The American version includes two bonus tracks, the scratch-laden delight Babylon and the horn-driven Rocker. Ned Raggett, All Music Guide Artist Backyard Babies Studio Scooch Pooch Format CD