They may hail from Edmonton, but Real Sickies have that Ramones by East Bay sound (perhaps best exemplified by the Mr. T Experience) that was so popular, I dunno, a quarter-century or so ago. Rather than simply recycle old riffs and idea, though, Real Sickies have cranked out fourteen songs that sound very 2021.

Real Sickies Love Is for Lovers (Stomp)

Modern production values are a good thing, of course, but Real Sickies aren't beholden to old ideas. And the band's sense of humor rings out not only in its lyrics but with the occasional sly musical anti-reference.

There is another option of course: Play it loud and bounce around the room until your bones break. The sound is full and playful, befitting these serious-yet-silly (or is it the other way around?) songs. Like wasabi peas or gochujang hot dogs, these songs are best enjoyed in handfuls.

One big, bright sunny day. And while it may have been a bit too sunny for my taste this summer, I can't get enough of this album. Crank up the volume, rip off the knob and floor the accelerator. This is the driving album of the summer. And it's pretty good everywhere else, too.

Jon Worley