The Vaselines (Glaswegians Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee), back from a two-decade-long hiatus, return with Sex With An X. For many, The Vaselines are best known for having a big fan in Kurt Cobain, who famously covered three of the duo’s tracks. Kelly and McKee have spent the past 20 years in various other bands, but decided recently to reform. This full-length — surprisingly, only their second — shows that time has been good to The Vaselines. A mixture of McKee’s soft, high voice and deadpan delivery of knowing lyrics combine with straightforward rock and a hint of twang. Standouts include “I Hate the ‘80s,” a cranky rant disguised in a poppy song that reminds us “it wasn’t all Duran Duran” and “Turning It On,” a brooding, romantic duet between McKee and Kelly. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Dum Dum Girls, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, The Raveonettes, Vivian Girls