The tunes are prime slices of Pop-Rock with the odd side trip found in spots. The lead off number, "Soaking Up the Sunshine," is exhibit A: jangling guitar, an undulating rhythm, a high, keening vocal backed by layers of multi-tracked harmonies also provided by McDonald, all wrapped around a breezy, succulent melody that replicates the wistful, easygoing day that is the subject of the song (got to love the namechecks for the Saints and Sunnyboys) -- all in a 1’18" ditty. As the title of the twangy, second tune, "Living in Traralgon" (McDonald’s hometown), exemplifies many of these songs are sketches of life in his corner of Victoria, Australia. While it’s Winter down there, this record is just right for hanging out on the veranda this Summer here (see the semi-recreation of Sire-era Flamin’ Groovies that is "In the Comfort of a Summer’s Night.").

"Sandy Harrison" is one of those side roads McDonald ventures down. It’s a yelping, Psychobilly tale of revenge and death. "Mermaid Beach" is a one-and-a-half minute, equally angular and distortion laden, Surf Instrumental. While mixed in are some acoustic oriented, just multi-tracked guitars and voices numbers: "Lets’ Get Drunk To You and Me," "An Hours Drive in a Sandman a Panel Van" (reprised from his Pop The Ballon single -- see last issue) and the closing "Since the Old Man Shot Through." (10/03)