power pop criminals

THE LAST - AWAKENING (1989)

Again produced by Stevenson, "Awakening" makes no stylistic changes in composition but benefits from a toughened attack. Giving clear play to the band's dual affinities for punk and paisley pop, the crisply tuneful album ranges from souped-up covers of the Beatles ("She Loves You") and the Shirelles ("Baby It's You") to a great ballad/rocker "You" the Farfisa-heavy pop of "Book of Life" and the intense "Garden Grow," punctuated by Dave Nazworthy's furious snare rolls. Both Mataré and David Nolte make cameo appearances. Trouser Press

Songs (LP)
No Love / Assembly Line / You / Somebody New / Garden Grow / Your Wings / Book Of Life / Dreaming / Tired / Awakening / She Loves You / Baby It's You