Mayflies USA

Chapel Hill's Mayflies USA have tapped into that classic, sharply focused American pop often identified with Big Star on their second record. So much so that The Pity List sounds like the fulfilment of Matthew Sweet's potential without Sweet's involvement. One American pop pioneer who does make his presence felt is producer, and great pop-smith in his own right, Chris Stamey. Think of recent releases by Sloan or Wilco and you'll get the picture. The songs are sweet, the renditions bright and the band manage to pull off high-energy rock with their bright smiles intact. A band so squeaky clean, you'll have no problem taking them home to mom.