If you're expecting just a nostagia trip here, forget it. As the title might imply, this
is to some extent for RS something akin to Marianne Faithful's "Broken English," or Loretta Lynn's "Van Lear Rose." The smooth and perfect pop of the Phil Spector years is replaced by a rock band (on most anyway) and songs that speak of both survival and bitterness, but with also a nice sense of fun on some like "Work Out Fine"-- with Keith Ritchards on guitar & vocals, or the rootsy/catchy "Hey Sah Lo Ney" (orig. a 'Northern Soul' song c'60, but here raw, almost 'punky garage,' and vaguely evoking her Spanish Harlem roots). Guests include (besides Keith), The Raveonettes, Patti Smith, and Joey Ramone , and really a nice mix of material-- a few old, several new. The voice sure has some miles on it-- her wide 'cigarette' vibrato & sometimes shrillness might really shock those who haven't heard her recently-- but she still has fine timing, committment, and knows how to phrase and sing within her limitations. (And sometimes beyond them, as on the 'oldie' closer, "Out in the Cold Again." Still though a nice testament to good friend Frankie Lymon; but quite way from vocally from, say, Dinah Washington). And I just think it's really cool to have Ronnie sing fine songs like Amy Rigby's "All I Want" (catching just right I think Rigby's love of rock and roll AND a 'feminist' self-awareness), or the Ramones "Here Today and Gone Tomorrow" or "You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory" (close as we'll get to her singing with the band I think). There's a sense of 'pop' heart enough I think for older fans; but also appeal to anyone who would smile at the thought of Ronnie with a rock band.