The Last of the Rock Stars

iTunes Review

The Last of the Rock Stars plays like the soundtrack to a party with the Ronettes’ lead singer as hostess and a guest list comprising Keith Richards, Joey Ramone, Patti Smith, Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, members of the Greenhornes and the Raveonettes. The classic mod dance jam “Hey Sah Lo Ney” kicks off sounding as if the Action reformed amidst the early 2000’s garage rock revival with Ronnie Spector singing in that unmistakably soulful vibrato. And what time took of her vocal range, she makes up for in pointed passion and heated emotion. Sonically, ”Ode to L.A.” is more of an ode to girl groups and Phil Spector’s revolutionary production techniques as it hints at his trademark Wall of Sound. Richards’ spoken parts on Ike Turner’s “Work Out Fine” are endearing, while Ramone and Smith help give “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory” some deep NYC soul that Johnny Thunders would dig. It’s safe to surmise that the fire-breathing spite fueling songs like “Girl from the Ghetto” and “Never Gonna Be Your Baby” was meant for Phil and not Eddie Money.