Shesus - Loves You... Loves You Not

We all know the Ramones. Most of us like the Ramones. They gave us the most easily digestible New York punk rock out there, and launched a million bands in their wake. Shesus is one of those bands. That being said, so were the Pixies, Pearl Jam and Green Day – some of whom added a lot to the Ramones formula (Pixies), some less (Green Day). Shesus added a bit less. Shesus sounds as if the Ramones borrowed Belinda Carlisle and Jane Wielden from the Go-Gos for a record. It’s fast, fun, slam-dancing goodness – but there is nothing groundbreaking here. The standout cut is by far “B-Side Radio,” which sounds leaps and bounds more progressive and interesting than anything else on the record. The David Bowie cover (“Hang Onto Yourself”) is a faster, sleazier version, but still drips of fun and enthusiasm. What is a bit frustrating about the record as a whole is that Shesus is trying really hard to no avail. They are obviously playing their hearts out and are pleading with us to listen, to love, to devour the record, but there isn’t enough there to devour. Their hearts are in the right place, and hopefully next time, so will their songwriting. [www.shesus.com]