Turntable-less fans of Washington, D.C.-based garage rockers the Rondelles should flock to their neighborhood record stores as soon as possible to snatch up the wholly enjoyable
Shined Nickels and Loose Change. As an excellent odds and ends collection of vinyl-only songs, compilation tracks, and new recordings that span nearly the band's entire existence, the 14-song compilation is a must-have for new and old fans alike. Opening with their wonderfully infectious Teenbeat single (featuring "Safety in Numbers" and "Strike-Out," two of their best songs), Shined Nickels doesn't lose any of its steam until the previously unreleased closing tracks, which hint at a future of less straightforward and more experimental pop for the band. Aside from three vinyl singles (the Teenbeat single plus two on K Records), the compilation also includes a sped-up cover of
Madonna's "Like a Prayer" and the band's take on the Shimmy Beckers' "Cafeteria Rock," as well as the title track to their second full-length, The Fox. Not just a collection of rarities for die-hard fans, Shined Nickels has enough pop perfection for everyone. ~ Jimmy Draper