steering clear of the mainstream
since 2001

june 2010

review
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info opinion


Masked Superstar

"Beautified for Sound" CDR

Vaunted Records

Genres: indie pop, lo-fi, indie rock

Vaunted Records
1200 Braddock Place, Suite #202
Alexandria VA
22314-1664

May 26 - Jun 1 2003

Formed in Chicago in 1996, Masked Superstar named themselves after the infamous masked wrestler of the same name.  Since then, they've released countless EPs and a few full albums to boot.  Beautified for Sound is their latest effort, and it offers a nice taste of their often-goofy pop sound.

Masked Superstar's music has a very diy, homemade aesthetic that will certainly appeal to like-minded listeners.  "Hang On Sloppy," for example (not a cover of "Hang On Sloopy," if that's what you're thinking), is a deliciously catchy pop tune with an extremely lo-fi recording style.  "The Christmas Pie" is also very infectious, with a wonderful repeated chorus and some juicy guitar work, as well as a nice touch of violin to top things off.  While not all of the tracks are winners, it must be said that a large portion of this CD is really good, and lo-fi indie pop fans would be well-advised to pick this disc up.  Recommended.

84%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 16 songs, distributed by the band, released 2002]