If you think of a classic American band that combines hummable melodies with unmatched harmonies, and a generally festive & blithe musicality, you'd probably think of The Beach Boys, right? Well, you got it half right. The Tokens were and still are majestic in their own right.

On their latest release, UNSCREWED (2001), they have proven that after 3+ decades of recording and performing together, time simply can't brandish them as 'licked'. Far from it. On UNSCREWED, they sound as accomplished as they did in their heyday during the 60's. There is an eclectic mix of new and old on this record, and in totality, the album sounds fresh and cohesive.

Mitch Margo, the band's leader, and lead vocalist, has an innate ability of picking and writing tunes that are immediately memorable and danceable, and a pure joy to listen to. The arrangements (by Mitch and brother, Phil Margo) are dazzling, masterful, and matched in Rock-n-roll only by the aforementioned Beach Boys. Arguably, unlike the Beach Boys, The Tokens have aged quite well since the 60's. The addition of younger players (including Phil's son, Noah Margo, rocking out on the drums) has added a vitality, and alacrity to their repertoire. Additionally, the fresh faces and sounds are an inviting power in their immensely fun live set.

Some of the standouts on UNSCREWED are "Naked Before You," which brought my feet to a toe-tapping bounce, and the Spanish influenced, "Coco Seco" and "Speak Up Mambo." For all the old timers out there, one sure-fire treat is the Wimoweh Reprise. Tastefully executed, this version only includes the "Wimoweh' chorus as opposed to showcasing the whole song, which after the success of The Lion King, would quite bluntly, equate to overkill. The prominent inclusion of the saxophone and peppy keyboards throughout the record are fundamental sounds of Rock's greatest era and really show luster on "Rica Cha" and "Play Ball." The latter song could have been the theme at Prom Night circa 1955, and to tell the truth, it is more noteworthy than any song they played at my prom.

Many of the tracks on UNSCREWED are too short and left me wanting more. "You Loser You Fool", a real winner of a song, clocked in at only 2:20. But, for a band born out of radio's golden years, where pop songs had to 'fit' into a precise format, it's easily excusable. Coupled with the fact that The Tokens have jam-packed this record with 19 tunes, one can't help but give them a little slack.

It's difficult in this day and age for a truly 'musical' and talented rock/pop band to shine in the age of 'teen' fare and Rap music, but the Tokens do just that with ease and finesse. UNSCREWED, and indeed, the Tokens themselves, are entertaining and humorous. The fun they share as a unit is contagious to the listener. Just as considerable, this is music that still is relevant, infectious and a much-welcome outgrowth of the classic Rock-n-roll most of us love and remember.

"Joel Perler"