The Kicks - Hello Hong Kong

The Kicks return with Hello Hong Kong, a second album that actually plays more like a revamped version of their debut: seven songs -- more than half the album -- originally appeared on The Kicks. This is somewhat excusable, considering that Hello Hong Kong is The Kicks' major-label debut and The Kicks had a lot of hooky songs that make for a good introduction to the band. However, some of these songs seem to have suffered a bit during their major-label makeovers; Butch Vig's trademark shiny production tends to make the band's already radio-friendly melodies and hooks sound slick and generic instead of appealing. Read More