OK Go
OK Go
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The self-titled debut by this Chicago band is one of those CDs that will have you running for your record collection to check all the musical reference points. But while the band plays with retro flourishes, they seem firmly grounded in modern rock and pop craftsmanship as well.

With its big beat and big guitars, handclaps and cheesy keyboards, the opening track (and first single) “Get Over It” owes as much to Queen as it does Weezer. And “There’s A Fire” manages to cross Cake with The Cure’s “Close to Me.” “Don’t Ask Me” has a swinging Adam Ant-like beat. The witheringly sarcastic attitude of lead vocalist and chief songwriter Damien Kulash, Jr. is leavened by some nicely layered backing vocals from bassist Tim Nordwind and guitarist/keyboard player Andy Duncan (drummer Dan Konopka completes the quartet).

Some keyboard sounds phoned in from a Cars record color the hammering staccato guitars and hand claps of “You’re So Damn Hot.” Kulash sings about falling for an unattainable woman despite his best instincts. “You’re a bad hearted boy trap, baby doll,” he sings.

“What To Do” also shows the influence of Queen, including some more layered harmonies and a touch of Brian May-like guitar work. “Mediocre people do exceptional things all the time / Oh, the ruin will do in your talented mind / Could’ve been a genius if you’d had an axe to grind,” Kulash sings. It comes as no surprise that among the additional musicians listed in the CD’s liner notes are two alumni of another Queen-worshiping band, ‘90s popsters Jellyfish. Roger Manning and Jon Brion are joined in the special guest department by Wendy Melvoin (Prince, Neil Finn) and keyboard player Patrick Warren (Michael Penn, Aimee Mann).

But the lyrical themes on Ok Go extend beyond lust and sarcasm as well. “1000 Miles Per Hour” is one of the record’s sweeter moments. It’s about trying to salvage a relationship with a road trip. And “Return” seems to be about a friend who died young. “I can’t remember your face,” Kulash frets. “You were supposed to grow old / Reckless, unfrightened and old… / You were supposed to return.”

Elsewhere, “C-C-C Cinnamon Lips” is a silly, cartoon-y technicolor pop song that takes a couple of interesting tempo shifts. And “The Fix Is In” is another Cake-like number with some bare bones guitar, ‘80s keyboard sounds, a danceable rhythm, and monotone vocals. But Ok Go saves the best track for last. “Bye Bye Baby” puts it all together with rocking guitars and sweet vocal harmonies. It’s a quick two minutes of sheer pop thrills that will leave you wanting more.

The record’s only misstep is the spacey “Shortly Before the End,” which suffers from a dull melody.

For the most part though, Ok Go has all the chops and the tunes to make for an engaging debut record. Classic rock, power pop and new wave are all cleverly ingrained in the grooves. But Kulash and company also have their heads firmly in the 21st century, and have a good chance of scoring some good time hits right here in 2002.

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