Record Boy Ink:

When a group with a distinctive style like Luscious Jackson makes a leap into a more mainstream sound, they are either selling out or broadening their horizons. I think "Electric Honey" (Grand Royal/Capitol) represents the latter.

The women of Luscious Jackson, now a trio, take a different direction on "Electric Honey" and dang if it don’t sound like a happy one. Some of the tracks sound like an updated take on the late ‘70s when disco and new wave were dancing around each other, occasionally ending up in one place…like, say Blondie (Deborah Harry coincidentally appears on the song "Fantastic Fabulous"). Jill Cunniff and Gabby Glaser, L.J.’s writers, are apparently in fine spirits, great voice and not afraid to celebrate on record.

What I’ve always liked about this band is the combination of their irresistible funky tracks with their sultry, street smart vocals, all presented with a rock n’ roll attitude. "Electric Honey" tones down the ‘tude, replacing it with an upbeat atmosphere. Tracks like "ladyfingers", "Devotion", the above mentioned "Fantastic Fabulous" and "Space Diva" rock hard but don’t threaten. "Alien Lover" and "Summer Daze" aren’t only funky, they’re (Thanks Phil Hartman) SASSY!

This is a perfect summer record; It just feels good, bright and loaded with obvious charms. In order to deal with criticism of selling out, Luscious Jackson should make their next record a little darker… but release it in the winter please!