sex was never like this!  these muffins are warm, they are tender, and they have big tops.  they live in tins, and are fresh out of the oven.  ok, i took the analogy too far.  but that's what this album will do to you...make you stupid.  before listening to 'wise up!', i was a 98 pound weakling.  now i'm 97 pounds, but i can kick your ass.  name me six records that can do that, and i'll eat your hat.  figuratively.  i know i feel safe in saying that the ragamuffins of love are the best virtual band in new england.
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The new CD from The Ragamuffins of Love, WISE UP!, is very unlike the last Sandy McKnight release, "In Solitary".  On that disc, Sandy indulged his melancholia with well crafted eclectic tidbits which didn't quite add up.  But this release, credited to the virtual Ragamuffins and their enigmatic leader, Effington Dupp III (his friends call him Eff Dupp...get it?), is anything but melancholy, baby.  The energy is high throughout, whether Sandy/Eff is singing about disillusionment (Kiss Those Good Times Goodbye), nostalgia (Plastic Yellow Raincoat), or teen pop queens (Tangerine).  Consequently, the irony of the 'downer' songs is that much more impactful than his earlier effort.  This is a great listen, all the way through.

From the first power chord of the opening track, Sandy/Eff takes us through a veritable power pop paradise, with hooks a-plenty, and enough modern edge to keep it from sounding like a new wave retread.

Sandy/Eff's voice is well suited to this material, sounding more comfortable than he did with the challanging tunes he took on last time.  These are sing-along songs, and only upon a third or fourth listen (which you'll want to do) does the depth of some of the clever lyrics begin to sink in.  By then, you're hooked.

I am also happy to report that the band is about to begin a national tour, and having seen them in an 'unofficial' preparatory show at a local club recently, audiences are in for a treat.  They are funny, fresh, and best of all, they rock.
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I love The Ragamuffins Of Love album Wise Up.  Goooooooood listening.  I sat back with no 
distractions and let it roll over me.  I love the songs, like "I want my money back" with it's 
no illusions discontent "cash back in my pocket" angst towards the power mongers.  "Who'll be 
the next in line" pushes a few 'damned if I won't get over you' buttons.  "I can't find my way out of love" has a 
hooky twist on fighting the inevitable, it's cool.  And the band is great.  I've 
been a fan of Sandy's for at least 20 years, and every song is distinctive melodic ear 
candy, with tasty productions and Sandy's iconic voice to deliver his message to 
the world: there's got to be a little effington dupp in anybody who survives in 
this effington dupp world.
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I used to be a stay at home dad.  After the muffins CD came out, I joined the East Coach branch of the Peoples Liberation Army and became a crusader for the downtroden everywhere. Coincidence?  I think not!
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