Starz were an East Coast US rock group that are often overrated or underrated, depending on who you listen to. Listening to this set, I’d err towards overrated.
Sure there’s some decent tunes, taking influences of Thin Lizzy and Kiss in a poppy and radio friendly direction without being AOR.
By 1978 there’d been a few line-up changes that took the band in a poppier direction from their two earlier releases.
Although most of the 70s punk sound had been watered down in their sound, “X-Ray Spex” does get things going, but is more pub rock than punk rock.
The album is likeable on the surface but not too grasping. Complete history in the liner notes too.
***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly
